murshid
9.9
A spiritual guide in Sufi Islam who leads people on their inner path
- noun
- /mʊrˈʃɪd/
:
murshid
- The teachings of a murshid can profoundly impact a person's spiritual growth.
Examples
-
In Sufi Islam, a murshid helps followers navigate their spiritual journey.
-
At the top of the hierarchy is the Guidance Office (Maktab al-Irshad), which is comprised of approximately 15 longtime Muslim Brothers and is headed by the supreme guide (murshid).
Academic text (2011) -
Seeking guidance from a murshid is an important part of developing one's faith.
Synonyms
shaykh
vsmurshid
3
9.7
A Sufi spiritual master who teaches and guides students in prayer and meditation
is more about guiding personal spiritual development than formal instruction
1
9.9
A respected Muslim spiritual leader who gives advice and blessings, especially in South Asia
is the general Sufi guide focusing on followers' spiritual path rather than regional elder
Surface Forms
Etymology
Murshid comes from Arabic and the root r-sh-d, which means 'right guidance' or 'to be guided'. So a murshid is literally 'one who guides', which is why the word means a Sufi spiritual teacher who leads others on the path to faith and practice.