Fakir

[2][3] They are characterized by their reverence for dhikr (a devotional practice which consists of repeating the names of God with various formulas, often performed after the daily prayers).

[9][10] Fakirs are prevalent in the Middle East and South Asia; they are thought to be self-sufficient and possess only the spiritual need for God.

There is also a distinct clan of faqeers found in North India, descended from communities of fakirs who took up residence at Sufi shrines.

In its mystical usage, the word fakir refers to man's spiritual need for God, who alone is regarded as self-sufficient in the Islamic religion.

[17] The Cambridge English Dictionary defines the term fakir as "a member of an Islamic religious group, or a holy man".

The early Muslim scholar, Abdul-Qadir Gilani, defined Sufism, tasawwuf and faqr in a conclusive[clarification needed] manner.

[21][22][23][24] Another well-known Muslim saint, Sultan Bahoo, describes a fakir as one "who has been entrusted with full authority from Allah (God)".