Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/179

 158 following express certain degrees of reputed sanctity:—

ʾA′bid, one constantly engaged in the worship of God.

Záhid, one who leads a life of asceticism. The title of Faqír does not always denote one who has renounced the possessions of the world, but is applied to any one of a humble spirit, one poor in the sight of God, rather than in need of worldly assistance.

Qutbah and Ghaus, the highest orders of sanctity. According to vulgar tradition, a Ghaus is a saint whose ardour of devotion is such, that in the act of worship his head and limbs fall asunder! whilst a Qutbah is one who is supposed to have attained to the state of sanctity which reflects the heart of the Prophet.

There are four titles of respect which scarcely belong to either the religious or the learned class, but are of more general use:—

Shekh, an appellation which literally signifies an elder or aged person. It is a common title of respect, and is almost synonymous with our English "Mister." In Egypt and Arabia it