halifa
hah-LEE-fah
How to say it
Swahilihalifahah-LEE-fahsoon
Englishcaliph; successorsoon
Frenchcalife ; successeursoon
Meaning
The title of the successors of the Prophet Muhammad as leaders of the Muslim community. More generally, a person who succeeds another in an office.
Good to know
From Arabic, also spelled khalifa. In sports news it can mean the successor of a coach or player: halifa wa kocha aliyeondoka.
Examples
- Abu Bakr alikuwa halifa wa kwanza baada ya Mtume Muhammad.Abu Bakr was the first caliph after the Prophet Muhammad.
- Kocha mpya ndiye halifa wa kocha aliyefukuzwa.The new coach is the successor of the sacked coach.
- Wakati wa halifa Umar, dola la Kiislamu lilipanuka sana.In the time of the caliph Umar, the Islamic state expanded greatly.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.