Origin and meanings of Muslim titles

By SHAMIM SAAD
Sheikh

This is an Arabic word used to designate elderly male members of a tribe as those deserving of respect. Haji Nsereko Mutumba, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council publicist, says it is the same as the word “elder” in English.

“A sheikh is not only re­spected, but may also have the specific task of guiding and protecting a group of people, settling disputes, being a religious leader and helping to administer the law among his people,” Mutumba says.

Imam
Mutumba says Imam, an Arabic word, refers to a spiritual leader or the one who stands above and is sometimes the political leader of the Muslim community. He adds that imams also lead congregations during Juma prayers. In Sunni Islam, imams are like eminent judges who are famous and re­spected within a particular profession or sphere.

Caliph
Caliph or Khalifa is an Arabic title given to a Muslim ruler of an Islamic state. It is equivalent to the other titles given to rulers such as king, prince, sul­tan or president. Mutumba says it also suggests the successor of a previous Muslim ruler.

Mawlana
According to Sheikh Sulei­man Ssozi, the head of the centre for children, Maw­lana is an Arabic word, literally meaning “our lord or master”. He says it is a title, mainly in Central Asia and in India, preceding the name of respected Muslim religious leaders, in particular graduates of religious institutions like madrassas or other Islamic scholars.

Amir
Ssozi says Amir is of Arabic and Hebrew origin and means prince. “It is a title for a high-ranking and powerful official in different capacities in the Muslim world,” he says.

Mufti
Ssozi says a Mufti is an Islamic scholar who has the authority to issue legal opinions known as fatwas (points of Islamic law given by recognised authority).

“The role of a Mufti in modern society varies, with Muslim governments typically having an offi­cially appointed Mufti who assists that government.

In other areas, Muftis are far less powerful, although they are still an extremely important community resource,” he says.