Sayyid (Oman)

The title Sayyid means 'sir', 'Lord', 'Master' and is used in Oman for the descendants of the founder of the Al-Said dynasty Ahmad bin Sa’id bin Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Abdelmajid Al-Busaidi Al-Azdi Al-Ammani Al-Ibadhi.[1][2] Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi´s descendants did not take the religious title of Imam, but Sayyid, an honorific title held by members of the royal family to this day, thus relinquishing all pretense of spiritual authority while fostering Muslim scholars and promoting Islamic scholarship. The absolute ruler of the country retains the title Sultan with members of the royal family eligible for succession to the throne given the title Sheikh, and these may also use the title Sayyid should they wish to. However, the title Sheikh supersedes Sayyid, so it is not a widely used practice.[3] Members of the extended family or members by marriage carry the title Sayyid or Sayyida for a female. Such titles are hereditary through paternal lineage or in some exceptional circumstances may be given as an honorary title by royal decree.

It is not to be confused with the hereditary title of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad through Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Al-Said Royal Family is not descending from Prophet Muhammad.