Fakir

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /fəˈkɪər/, /ˈfeɪ.kɪər/

Phonetic: fuh-keer, fay-keer

Definitions

• A Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic or mendicant who lives by alms and is often regarded as a holy person.
• Someone who practices extreme self-discipline and renunciation of worldly possessions, particularly in South Asian traditions.

Usage Examples

• The fakir sat in deep meditation, oblivious to the world around him.
• Many fakirs are believed to possess mystical or supernatural powers.

Etymology

Derived from the Arabic word "faqīr" (فقير), meaning "poor" or "needy," which was later adopted into Persian, Urdu, and Hindi to refer to ascetics who renounce material wealth.

Synonyms

• Ascetic
• Holy man
• Mendicant
• Sufi
• Sage

Antonyms

• Materialist
• Wealthy person
• Worldly individual

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In South Asian languages, the word "fakir" is commonly pronounced as "fa-qeer" with emphasis on the "q," while in English, it is often pronounced as "fa-keer" or "fuh-keer."

Historical Usage

Originally used in Arabic to describe those who renounced material wealth, the term was later adopted in Persian, Urdu, and Hindi. In colonial literature, fakirs were often depicted as mystics performing supernatural feats.

Cultural Nuances

In South Asia, fakirs are often associated with Sufi mysticism and Hindu asceticism. Western portrayals sometimes emphasize the performance aspect, showing fakirs lying on beds of nails or walking on hot coals.

More Information

The term "fakir" carries different connotations in various cultures. In Islamic traditions, it refers to Sufi ascetics who strive for spiritual enlightenment through simplicity and devotion. In Hindu contexts, fakirs are often seen as wandering monks who renounce material wealth in pursuit of a higher truth.