fah-KEER
FAQIR A Muslim ascetic or religious mendicant, particularly in Sufi traditions; one who has taken vows of poverty.
17
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A faqir (also spelled fakir) is a Sufi Muslim ascetic who has taken vows of poverty and dedicated their life to spiritual practice. The term derives from the Arabic word for 'poor' and represents someone who is spiritually 'poor' before God, having renounced worldly possessions.
In South Asian contexts, the term has broadened to include Hindu ascetics and yogis as well. These religious practitioners often engage in meditation, dhikr (remembrance of God), and sometimes extreme physical disciplines to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
For Scrabble players, FAQIR provides a less common but valid 5-letter word containing Q. Unlike many Q words that require specific letter combinations, FAQIR uses common letters, making it more flexible for board play.
Historically, faqirs have played important roles in Islamic mysticism and South Asian religious culture. Some became renowned teachers and poets, while others were known for miraculous feats. The tradition continues today, though modernization has changed its expression.
The word 'faqir' comes from Arabic 'faqīr' (فقير), meaning 'poor' or 'needy,' from the root f-q-r relating to poverty. It entered English in the 17th century through contact with Islamic culture in India and the Middle East. The spelling 'fakir' is also common, reflecting different transliteration systems. The spiritual meaning of 'poverty before God' is central to Sufi philosophy.
Words with similar meaning
FAKIR
Alternative spelling
ASCETIC
Religious practitioner
MYSTIC
Spiritual seeker
DERVISH
Sufi practitioner
MENDICANT
Religious beggar
Words with opposite meaning
MATERIALIST
Focused on possessions
WEALTHY
Having riches
WORLDLY
Concerned with material life
Plural Form
faqirs
Related Terms
Traveling religious mendicant
Benediction from a holy person
Take vows of poverty
Total base points: 17 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 3
Other high-scoring 5-letter words (Scrabble)
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"The faqir sat in meditation for hours, seemingly oblivious to the world around him."
"Medieval texts describe faqirs who wandered from town to town, teaching and begging for alms."
"In the word game, FAQIR scored well despite not having the U typically paired with Q."
Faqirs represent the ascetic tradition in Islam and South Asian spirituality. They've influenced literature, music, and religious thought for centuries. From Sufi poetry to colonial accounts, faqirs embody the tension between material poverty and spiritual wealth that fascinates many cultures.
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