Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/255



Arabic word Faqír, signifies poor; but it is used in the sense of being in need of mercy, and poor in the sight of God, rather than in need of worldly assistance. Darwesh is derived from the Persian dar, "a door,"—those who beg from door to door. The terms are generally used for those who lead a religious life. Religious Faqírs are divided into two great classes, the ba Sharaʾ (with the law), or those who govern their conduct according to the principles of Islám; and the be Sharaʾ (without the law), or those who do not rule their lives according to the principles of any religious creed, although they call themselves Musulmáns. The former are called Sálik, or travellers on the pathway (taríqat) to heaven; and the latter are either A′zád (free), or Majzúb (abstracted). The Sálik embrace the various religious orders who perform the Zikrs described in our next note. The Majzúb are