Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/262

 Rh After the initiatory rite, the Muríd undergoes a series of instructions, including the Zikrs, which he is required to repeat daily. The Muríd frequently visits his Murshid, and sometimes the Murshids proceed on a circuit of visitation to their disciples. The place where these "holy men" sit down to instruct the people is ever afterwards held sacred, a small flag is hoisted on a tree, and it is fenced in. Such places are called "Takiya," and are protected and kept free from pollution by some Faqír engaged for the purpose.

Those Faqírs who attain to a high degree of sanctity are called Walís, the highest rank of which is that of a Ghaus. Of such is the Akhund of Swát, on the north-west frontier of India. This celebrated religious leader at the age of eighteen became a member of the Qádiría order of Faqírs; and shortly after his incorporation, he settled down on a small island in the river Indus near Attock, where he lived the life of a recluse for twelve years. During this time, it is said, his only diet was the wild-grass seed and buffalo's milk. He soon acquired a reputation for sanctity, and has gradually become the great religious leader of Central