A dervish is a member of a Sufi Muslim religious order known for their asceticism and often for their ecstatic practices, such as whirling, chanting, or intense meditation, aimed at achieving a spiritual connection with God. Historically, dervishes renounced worldly possessions and devoted themselves to a life of poverty and spiritual discipline. They are associated with unique forms of music, dance, and poetry that serve as pathways to religious experience and enlightenment. dervish orders, or tariqas, vary in their rituals and beliefs, but they all emphasize the importance of direct experience with the divine and the purification of the soul.
Dervish meaning with examples
- The whirling dervishes, captivating audiences with their graceful spins, represent a profound form of Sufi meditation, seeking union with God through continuous movement and focused devotion. Their rhythmic dance creates a mesmerizing visual and spiritual experience. They often fast and engage in spiritual rituals to detach from the world.
- During the festival, the crowd watched in awe as the dervish, dressed in flowing white robes, began to whirl, his movements becoming increasingly rapid and his focus entirely inward. The chanting and music enhanced the transcendental experience. His focus on the divine was infectious.
- The poetry of Rumi, a renowned Sufi mystic, often references the experiences of dervishes, highlighting their devotion to God, their quest for spiritual illumination, and their detachment from worldly concerns. His words speak to their dedication to finding divine truths.
- The community of dervishes lived a communal life, sharing what little they had, and focusing all their energy on religious studies and rituals; they sought nothing from the outside world. This community helped each other as they meditated on God.
- Seeking a deeper connection with the divine, the scholar travelled to a remote monastery, seeking guidance from the revered dervish known for his wisdom and spiritual prowess. The scholar hoped to be transformed by their wisdom and teachings.
Dervish Synonyms
ascetic fakir monk mystic religious devotee sufiDervish Antonyms
atheist hedonist materialist secularist worldly personDervish Crossword Answers
5 Letters
FAKIR