Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license.
Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat.
We can research this topic together.
Punjabi Shaikh and Pakistani sheikh or shaikh (Template:Lang-ur) are a branch of the Shaikhs in South Asia. The family name is popularly known for its merchant-focused businessmen and noblemen in South Asia. After the advent of Islam in India, high class businessmen and tradesmen converted to Islam and adopted the title shaikh. These Shaikhs are not of Arab descent rather the title was used as a polite euphemism. They are generally from wealthy backgrounds and are known for their hospitality.