SHAYKH AL-ISLAM - شيخ الاسلام

Literally: Shaykh is an elderly or old man. An elder. A head of a family or tribe. A head of a religious community.

The head of the ‘Ulamâ. The elevated and honorific title for outstanding and purified ‘Ulama of the Islamic sciences. A prestigious position in the Ottoman Empire from which to govern religious affairs of Muslims.