In Arabic the word is shaykh, "chief" or "wise old man."
A Sheikh or shaykh (Arabic: شيخ shaykh; ; pl. شيوخ shuyūkh), of Sufism is a Sufi who is authorized to teach, initiate and guide aspiring dervishes in the islamic faith.
Aslo Sheik refers to a specific head of a tribe or family, or a leader in a Muslim community. ...