noun
- plural of sharif: descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, especially those holding positions of religious or political authority in Islamic societies
Usage: Islamic history; religious title
Examples
- The sharifs of Mecca held guardianship over the holy city for centuries.
- Many sharifs served as rulers in various parts of the Islamic world.
- The genealogy of the sharifs was carefully maintained through written records.
- Local sharifs often mediated disputes in their communities.
- The title of sharif carried great prestige in traditional Islamic society.
- Several sharifs established dynasties that ruled for generations.