What did the title amir al-muminin mean for a caliph?
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The title amir al-muminin translates to "commander of the faithful" and served as a customary designation for the caliph in Islamic history.12
It was first assumed by Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph, and was subsequently used by all his successors until the caliphate was abolished in 1924. The title is believed to have been adopted based on the Quranic verse, "Obey God and obey the Apostle and those invested with command (uli al-amr) among you" (iv, 59). While the term amir generally denotes a military commander or prince, the specific title amir al-muminin established the caliph’s role as the supreme leader of the Muslim community.12