A sheikh is a senior male member of a tribe who is respected and may lead and protect a group of people, settle disputes, be a religious leader, and administer the law. Not all sheikhs are Muslim, and the term may be more of an honorary title for older and wealthy members of a community. The Western definition of sheikh as only referring to leaders of Kuwait is incorrect.
Sheikh or sheik is an Arabic word, used before the birth of Islam, to designate senior male members of a tribe as those deserving of respect. It is comparable to the term Elder in the English language, especially when an Elder’s title conveys not only a person of a certain age and maturity, but also someone who can make political decisions about a group of people in a specific location. The sheikh in the past and present times is not only respected, but may have the specific duty of leading and protecting a group of people, settling disputes, being a religious leader, and helping to administer the law. The sheikh’s wife is usually called the sheikh. Especially in nomadic Bedouin tribes, the sheikh is the head of a tribe and, as such, administers the law, makes deals with other tribes and works for the prosperity of his people.
Despite an open association with Islam, it is a mistake to think that all sheikhs are Muslims. It is also a common misconception that all Arabs are Muslims. There are Christian sheikhs, especially in places like Lebanon, who have some local authority to protect their people. They are somewhat comparable to the medieval concept of the lord protecting and looking after the welfare of his people (many lords did not abuse the feudal system). A good sheikh listens to the people and his successful work means that the people are protected and prosperous. This system is hardly democratic, but it is usually much fairer than what existed in feudal times.
In modern times, sheikh may be more of an honorary term. The oldest and wealthiest members of a people may be regarded as sheikhs. Their experience, wealth and wisdom mean they are important members of a community and should be consulted on important matters. People may seek out this type of sheikh for advice. Furthermore, virtually all older men in a community may be considered sheikhs.
Sometimes the sheikh is less of a community leader in a political sense, but more of a religious scholar. Sufi elders who take orders are called sheikhs and are teachers and instructors. Leaders in the sciences can be honored by being called sheikhs.
The Western world’s definition of Sheikh limited this term to refer to the leaders of Kuwait. This is an oversight, and actually incorrect as it is much more used in the Arab world. Kuwaiti leaders are no longer called sheikhs, incidentally, but are now called emirs.
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