khalifa

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "khalifa" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to Islamic leadership or authority.
You can use it when discussing topics related to Islamic governance, history, or religious leadership. Example: "The title of khalifa has significant historical importance in the context of Islamic leadership and governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Saudis apparently insist that Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, the king's 75-year-old uncle, who has been prime minister for 40 years, must stay in his post.

The Economist

The 828-metre-high Burj Dubai tower was quickly renamed Burj Khalifa, after the saviour, Sheikh Khalifa.

The Economist

Bahrain stands out as the first example of an Arab country where popular protests were crushed – with the assistance of neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the acquiescence of the US and Britain, whose military, strategic and business interests wed them to a status quo in which the Sunni Al Khalifa dynasty rules over a disenfranchised Shia majority.

The Guardian

Qatar's record at the security council stems partly from the character of its ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and partly from the fact that both America and Britain will start importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) by tankers from Qatar in 2008.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the conversion of numbers 1, 2 and 3 Cornwall Terrace – acquired last year for £120m by Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, one of the three wives of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar – is complete, the resulting palace is expected to be London's first £200m-plus pad.

The Guardian

Related: Khalifa Haftar: career soldier leading Libyan rebellion "I've chosen Major General Khalifa Belgacem Haftar for the post of commander-in-chief of the army after promoting him to the rank of lieutenant general," Aguila Salah, the speaker of the internationally recognised parliament, told AFP.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Her decision to work as legal adviser to Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, who has been blamed by rights groups for systematic torture and repression, raised eyebrows, but sources at her chambers in Doughty Street, London, say she is a tough, combative lawyer with experience gained as a prosecutor on the UN's Lebanon war crimes tribunal.

The Guardian

The president of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, chaired a meeting to discuss the matter earlier this month with the options of January to February 2022 and, more likely, November to December 2022 offered as alternatives to June and July.

The Guardian - Sport

The request comes after the high court in London quashed a decision by the director of public prosecutions (DPP) that Prince Nasser bin Hamad al-Khalifa was immune from legal action owing to his royal status.

The Guardian

The letter tells the king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, that the charge and sentence "directly conflict with Bahrain's international commitments to the international covenant on civil and political rights (ICCPR)".

The Guardian

His neighbour and namesake, Shaikh Hamad al-Khalifa of Bahrain, is also pushing economic and political reform.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "khalifa", consider your audience. In general contexts, "caliph" might be more readily understood. If the context requires more precision or relates to a specific historical figure or dynasty, "khalifa" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "khalifa" interchangeably with terms like "imam" or "sheikh" without understanding their distinct roles. While there can be overlap, "khalifa" specifically denotes a leader of the Muslim community after Muhammad, holding both political and religious authority.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "khalifa" is as a noun. It typically serves as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a specific individual or the office of the leader of the Muslim community. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "khalifa" functions as a noun, referring to a leader of the Muslim community. While often interchangeable with "caliph", "khalifa" may be preferred when greater precision is needed, especially in historical or theological contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is correct and usable in written English. Its register is generally neutral, with usage heavily concentrated in News & Media. Alternative terms include "Islamic ruler" or "Muslim leader". When using "khalifa", ensure clarity of context to avoid misinterpretations, particularly in modern political discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caliph

A more common and widely recognized term for the same role of Islamic leader.

head of the caliphate

Specifies the role as the leader of a caliphate, an Islamic state.

Islamic ruler

A broader term emphasizing the political power associated with the position.

Muslim leader

Focuses on the religious aspect of leadership within the Muslim community.

successor of Muhammad

Highlights the historical and religious lineage of the khalifa.

commander of the faithful

An alternative translation emphasizing authority over the Muslim community.

leader of the ummah

Refers to the leader of the worldwide Muslim community.

emir

A title often used for rulers in Islamic countries, conveying a sense of authority.

sultan

A title denoting sovereignty and power, often associated with historical Islamic empires.

imam

While primarily a religious leader, it can sometimes overlap with the concept of a khalifa.

FAQs

What is the difference between "khalifa" and caliph?

"Khalifa" and "caliph" are essentially the same word, with "caliph" being the more common English transliteration of the Arabic term. Both refer to the leader of the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad.

How do you use "khalifa" in a sentence?

You can use "khalifa" to refer to a specific historical figure (e.g., "The Umayyad khalifas ruled from Damascus") or to the office itself (e.g., "The concept of the khalifa is central to Sunni Islamic political thought").

Are there alternative terms for "khalifa"?

Yes, alternative terms include "Islamic ruler", "Muslim leader", or "commander of the faithful", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "khalifa" in modern political discussions?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when discussing historical contexts or theological concepts. However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, as the term has been used by extremist groups. Providing clear context is crucial.