Darwesh

/dɑːrˈwɛʃ/ noun

Definition

An Islamic religious mendicant, ascetic, or holy man; a member of a Sufi order who has taken vows of poverty and spiritual devotion (also spelled dervish).

Etymology

From Persian 'darwīsh,' possibly from Sanskrit 'daridraka' (poor), meaning one who seeks spiritual rather than material wealth.

Kelly Says

The famous 'whirling dervishes' are darwesh—their spinning dance is meant to induce a trance state closer to divine presence, making the body a vessel for spiritual experience!

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