Considered to be the representative of God on earth. GHAZU A dangerous and often deadly raid staged by Bedouin in the desert, it can involve as few as a handful or as many as several thousand horsemen. KAFEEYAH A cloth, of cotton or silk, that is wrapped around the head as protection against the sun and the wind. KHATUN An important Lady, or the Lady of the Court, who keeps an open eye and ear for the benefit of the State. RAMADAN A holy month of fasting. Eating is permitted only between sundown and sunrise, and secular festivities are prohibited. SAYID A descendant of Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima, and her husband, Ali. SHARIF A descendant of either Hussein or Hassan, grandsons of Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband, Ali. The Sharif Hussein was the guardian of the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. SHEIKH An elder statesman or the head of a village or tribe. One who has either political or religious authority. SHIITE Member of the Muslim sect that broke off from the Sunni branch of Islam.
