Fakir: meaning, definitions and examples
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fakir
[ fəˈkɪə ]
spiritual practice
A fakir is a Sufi ascetic or a wandering monk who is a practitioner of mysticism in Islam. Historically, fakirs are known for their profound spiritual practices, which may include yoga, meditation, and various forms of asceticism. They often lead a life of poverty and detachment from material possessions, focusing instead on spiritual enlightenment and connection with the divine. The term has also been used more broadly in the West to refer to individuals who seem to possess magical or unusual abilities, often linked to performance or entertainment.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The fakir sat in meditation under a tree.
- Many believe that the fakir has the power to heal.
- The story of the fakir who could levitate amazed everyone.
- She sought guidance from a local fakir renowned for his wisdom.
Translations
Translations of the word "fakir" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fakir
- místico
- asceta
🇮🇳 फकीर
- साधु
- तपस्वी
🇩🇪 Fakir
- Mystiker
- Asket
🇮🇩 fakir
- mistikus
- asket
🇺🇦 факір
- містик
- аскет
🇵🇱 fakir
- mistyk
- asceta
🇯🇵 ファキール
- 神秘家
- 禁欲者
🇫🇷 fakir
- mystique
- ascète
🇪🇸 fakir
- místico
- asceta
🇹🇷 fakir
- mistik
- aziz
🇰🇷 파키르
- 신비가
- 금욕자
🇸🇦 فقير
- متصوف
- زاهد
🇨🇿 fakir
- mystik
- asketa
🇸🇰 fakir
- mystik
- askéta
🇨🇳 法基尔
- 神秘主义者
- 苦行僧
🇸🇮 fakir
- mistik
- asket
🇮🇸 fakir
- mysti
- asketi
🇰🇿 фakir
- мистик
- аскет
🇬🇪 ფაკირი
- მისტიკოსი
- ასკეტი
🇦🇿 fakir
- mistik
- zahid
🇲🇽 fakir
- místico
- asceta
Etymology
The word 'fakir' originates from the Arabic term 'faqīr', which means 'poor' or 'needy'. In Islamic culture, it referred to someone who renounced worldly goods for a life of religious devotion. Over time, the term came to be associated with Sufi mystics in various regions, including South Asia, where they became known for their ascetic and spiritual practices. The association of fakirs with extraordinary abilities such as healing or performing miracles formed part of popular folklore. During the colonial period in India, British writers began using the term in broader contexts, sometimes reducing its profound spiritual significance to mere entertainment or exoticism in narratives about the 'mysterious East'. Thus, the word 'fakir' has evolved in meaning, reflecting a rich tapestry of religious and cultural connotations.