Al Sharif Family Migration: Historical Journey

Time Periods

All Periods

7th-21st centuries

Origin

Hejaz Region

Early Period

7th-10th centuries

Middle Period

11th-18th centuries

Later Period

19th century

Modern Period

20th-21st centuries

Historical Context

632 CE

Death of Prophet Muhammad. The Al Sharif lineage begins with his grandsons Hasan and Husayn through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali.

786 CE

Idris ibn Abdullah (a Sharif) flees to Morocco after the Battle of Fakh, establishing the first Al Sharif-led state outside Arabia.

10th Century

Al Sharif family begins association with rulership of Mecca and Medina, enhancing their prestige throughout the Islamic world.

12th-15th Century

Al Sharif branches establish presence in Palestine and Lebanon, including notable families in Hebron, Barbara, Beirut and Tripoli.

1819-1869 CE

Increased migration of Al Sharif families to Southeast Asia, especially after the opening of the Suez Canal, establishing communities in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

1908 CE

Sharif Hussein bin Ali appointed as Sharif of Mecca during Ottoman rule, marking a pivotal moment for the family's political influence.

1916 CE

Sharif Hussein bin Ali leads the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule with British support.

1921 CE

Sons of Sharif Hussein establish Hashemite dynasties in Transjordan (now Jordan) and Iraq, extending Al Sharif political influence.

1948 CE

Palestinian Al Sharif families, particularly from Barbara, displaced to Gaza Strip, West Bank, and broader diaspora.

20th-21st Century

Al Sharif families establish growing communities in Europe, North America, and Australia while maintaining their distinctive identity.

Etymology & Distribution

The term "Sharif" (شريف) derives from Arabic roots meaning "noble," "honorable," or "highborn." While initially used broadly in pre-Islamic Arabia, it became specifically associated with descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali.

Geographical Distribution

Saudi Arabia: Most common in the Hejaz region, including Mecca and Medina

Jordan: The Hashemite royal family (Al Sharif descendants) continues to rule

Libya: Approximately 11,070 individuals (1 in 564 people)

Egypt: Present but less common than in Saudi Arabia

Palestine/Israel: Concentrated in Hebron, Gaza Strip, and West Bank

Lebanon: Present in Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli, and southern regions

Southeast Asia: Communities in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

Western Countries: Growing diaspora communities in Europe and North America

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Family Tree

2023 CE