khalifa

How to say it

Meaning

a caliph, the political and religious leader of an Islamic state regarded as the Prophet Muhammad's successor.

Good to know

a loanword from Arabic, used in religious and historical contexts; capitalized when referring to a specific historical caliph.

Examples

• Khalifa aliwaongoza Waislamu baada ya kifo cha Mtume.The caliph led the Muslims after the Prophet's death.
• Je, unamjua khalifa wa kwanza katika historia?Do you know the first caliph in history?
• Hakuwa khalifa, bali mfalme wa kawaida.He was not a caliph, but an ordinary king.
• Watamteua khalifa mpya baada ya kikao.They will appoint a new caliph after the meeting.