Talk:Dervish

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what is the difference with a fakir ? Andries 08:56, 15 Feb 2004 (UTC)

The fact that Darwaish is something a Sufi would never call himself--would consider it pretentious; most would refer to themselves as faqeers (meaning a person that is a seeker of truth, and as a sign of humility) or saaliks (which means seeker). In traditional South Asian culture, darwaish was a compliment; calling oneself a faqeer was a way of showing humility--or a mild pejorative.--67.118.240.18 23:36, 22 Sep 2004 (UTC)

[edit] Isolated part

I isolated the following part; it is definitely interesting, but would need references and form of third person (no "we" but "them". Otherwise it is a great addition - Skysmith 18:50, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

We have 3 levels, and Darvish is the one who has reached the first level. The second is Qalifeh, and the third is Moulavi or sheikh. In fact all these names are titles - from anon 194.225.80.156 (talk • contribs) probably from Iran

According to the writer and Sufi Idries Shah, dervishes are those who are still on the path and still learning, whereas the Sufi is one who has already walked the path or "arrived".

Shah maintains that Sufis do not refer to themselves as such, in this context because to do so would be pretentious, and also because the Sufis themselves recognize others like them as "people like us" or "we friends" -- whatever their creed, colour; etc -- and consider the word "Sufi" a peel-off label.

EricT 16:09, 20 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cutting Themselves with Swords without Bloodshed

We definitely need to include pictures of dervishes piercing themselves with skewers and cutting themselves with swords.Patchouli 23:40, 24 April 2006 (UTC) Image:Dervish.jpg

It's strange how everyone thinks dervishes cut themselves up. they don't. In Quran it says (english translation): "do not harm the body god gave you, not even a strand of hair".

This is exactly why I like dervishes: they ignore the Quran. This is why dervishes don't get along with mullahs.--Patchouli 04:11, 18 December 2006 (UTC)