What is the title given to the political and religious leader of Muslims that succeeds Muhammad?

The title given to the political and religious leader of Muslims who succeeds Muhammad is "Caliph." This designation comes from the Arabic word "khalifah," meaning "successor" or "steward." The Caliph is seen as the leader of the Muslim community and holds both political and spiritual authority, which stems from their connection to Muhammad and Islamic teachings. The first caliph, Abu Bakr, was chosen shortly after Muhammad's death, marking the beginning of a leadership structure that would govern the Muslim world for centuries.

While other titles like Imam and Sheikh also denote leadership roles within the Islamic community, they do not carry the same broad authority assigned to a Caliph. An Imam typically refers to a leader in prayer or a religious guide, while a Sheikh might denote a scholar or elder in the community. Ayatollah is a title used primarily within the Shia branch of Islam, particularly in Iran, and signifies a high-ranking cleric but does not function in the same political capacity as a Caliph. Thus, "Caliph" accurately represents the role of Muhammad's successor in an overarching political and religious context.