caliphs

n. title formerly given to a Muslim religious or political leader (also khalif)

A caliphate (from the Arabic خلافة or khilāfah), is the Islamic form of government representing the political unity and leadership of the Muslim world. The head of state (Caliph) has a position based on the notion of a successor to Muhammad's political authority; according to Sunnis ideally elected by the people or their representatives, and according to the Shia an Imamate chosen from the Ahl ul-Bayt. From the time of Muhammad until 1924, successive caliphates were held by the Umayyad, Abbasid, and finally Ottoman (sultans of Turkey) dynasties.
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Noun
1. the civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth; "many radical Muslims believe a Khalifah will unite all Islamic lands and people and subjugate the rest of the world"
(synonym) calif, kaliph, kalif, khalif, khalifah
(hypernym) ruler, swayer
(hyponym) Ali

CALIFFI