# khalifa

/kəˈɫifə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/khalifa
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. Islamic leader

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

A title for a leader of the Muslim community, especially in the past.

For teachers: Alternative spelling of caliph; the title for the civil and religious head of the Muslim state.

- The historian wrote about the life of the first khalifa after the Prophet.
- The legitimacy of the khalifa was a central point of theological and political debate throughout the early centuries of the Islamic empire.

Usage: Often capitalized when used as a specific title before a name.

### 2. social group in India

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

A member of a specific community or group of people in Gujarat, India.

For teachers: A member of a predominantly Muslim caste or community found in the Gujarat region of India.

- Many families in this part of Gujarat belong to the Khalifa community.
- Sociological studies of the region often examine the traditional occupations and social structures associated with the Khalifa caste in Gujarat.

## Examples

- The khalifa ruled over a vast empire.
- Historians study how each medieval khalifa balanced the demands of religious law with the practical needs of governing diverse territories.
- The title of khalifa has historically represented a unifying symbol of spiritual and temporal authority, though its practical power varied significantly across different dynasties and centuries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.