The Englishwoman in Egypt (Volume 3); Letters from Cairo. Written During a Residence There in 1842, 3 & 4, with E[dward] W[illiam] Lane. by His Sister (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846. Excerpt: ... III.--On Muslim Saints, Ob Devotees. (See page 28.) As an illustration of this passage it is necessary that the reader should be acquainted with the remarkable opinions which the Arabs entertain with respect to the offices and supernatural powers of their saints. Such matters form an important part of the mysteries of the Darweeshes, and are but imperfectly known to the generality of the Muslims. The distinguished individuals above mentioned are known by the common appellation of " Welees," or particular favourites of God. The more eminent among them compose a mysterious hierarchical body, whose government respects the whole human race, infidels as well as believers; but whose power is often exercised in such a manner that the subjects influenced by it know not from what person or persons its effects proceed. The general governor or coryphaeus of these holy beings is commonly called the " Kutb," which literally signifies a " pole," or an " axis," and is metaphorically used to signify a " chief," either in a civil or political, or in a spiritual sense. The Kutb of the saints is distinguished by other appellations: he is called " Kutb el-Ghds," or " el Ghoth " (the Kutb of Invocation for Help), &c.; and simply, " El-Ghos." The orders under the rule of this chief are called " 'Omud (or Owtal), Akhyar, Abddl, Nujaba, and Nukaba: " I name them according D'Obsson (tome i. pp. 315 and 316) asserts the Ifutb to be the chief minister of the Ghos, and gives an account somewhat different from that which I offer of the orders under his authority; but perhaps the Turkish Darweeshes differ from the Arab in their tenets on this subject. to their precedence. Perhaps to these should be added an inferior order called " As-hdb ed-Darak," i. e. " watchmen," or " overseers," ...