XXXI.—MUHAMMADAN CLERGY,
SCHOLARS, AND SAINTS.
The Muslims have no hereditary priestly caste as the Hindus, nor have they a distinct order of clergy exactly corresponding with those of the Christian Church. But still there is a powerful hierarchy possessed of great political and religious influence, which resembles the Jewish Scribes and Lawyers.
In countries under Muhammadan rule the religious dignitaries are appointed by the king, who is properly the highest spiritual authority in the kingdom. The Shekh-ul-Islám at Constantinople unites in himself the functions of the Primate and Lord Chancellor.
The following are the chief religious functionaries, in a state governed according to Muhammadan law.
Qází.—The minister of justice, who passes sentence in all cases of law; religious, moral, civil, or criminal.
Muftí.—The law officer, who expounds the law, and in difficult cases supplies the Qází with "fatwás' or decisions.
There are still persons in India bearing the titles of Qází and Muftí, but the offices have ceased to exist under British Government. The Indian law, however, permits civil cases being decided by Muhammadan divines, if both parties consent to the arrangement.
Imám.—The Arabic word Imám is said, by Sale, to answer to the Latin antistes, the president of the temple. It is also used for the four successors of Muhammad, the four great doctors of the four orthodox sects, the twelve great leaders of the Shíaʾhs, and for any great religious leader. It is, however, commonly used for the person who leads the daily prayer, and is in receipt of the revenues of the mosque.
The titles of Qází, Muftí, and Imám may be said to embrace the various appointments held by Muhammadan divines; but there are also numerous titles to denote doctors of Science and Divinity.
Tabíb. A doctor of medicine.
Hakím. A doctor of philosophy, used also for a doctor of medicine.
Muhaqqiq. A very learned doctor in one or two sciences.
Maulawí, also Mullá. A doctor of divinity, used for any person who has been educated in the Muhammadan religion, and assumes the office of teacher.
Faqíh. A doctor of law.
Mutakallim. A doctor of theology.
Muhaddis. A doctor of the law of the traditions.
Mufassir. One learned in the commentaries on the Qurán.
Madarrís. An academical doctor, i. e., one educated in some school of reputation.
Doctors of Divinity are of three grades: Maulaví, ʾAlim (pl. ʾUlama), Mujtahid (pl. Muj-tahidín). The title of Mujtahid is held by very few Sunní Muhammadans, but is more common amongst the Shíaʾhs.
In addition to these titles, which express the degree of learning, there are others which denote the piety and sanctity of the individual. Pír and Walí are the common titles; but the following express certain degrees of reputed sanctity:—
ʾA′bid, one constantly engaged in the worship of God.
Záhid, one who leads a life of asceticism. The title of Faqír does not always denote one who has renounced the possessions of the world, but is applied to any one of a humble spirit, one poor in the sight of God, rather than in need of worldly assistance.
Qutbah and Ghaus, the highest orders of sanctity. According to vulgar tradition, a Ghaus is a saint whose ardour of devotion is such, that in the act of worship his head and limbs fall asunder! whilst a Qutbah is one who is supposed to have attained to the state of sanctity which reflects the heart of the Prophet.
There are four titles of respect which scarcely belong to either the religious or the learned class, but are of more general use:—
Shekh, an appellation which literally signifies an elder or aged person. It is a common title of respect, and is almost synonymous with our English "Mister." In Egypt and Arabia it appears to be used for the Hindustani and Persian Khán, or chief.
Miyán, (lit. "a master" or "friend") generally used for the descendants of celebrated saints, but also as a title of respect.
Sayyid, generally pronounced Syud (lit. "lord"). For the descendants of Muhammad from his daughter Fatimah and her husband ʾAli. The word Sayyid is often used as part of a name, without reference to family descent from the Prophet; as Sayyid Ahmad, Sayyid Shah, &c.
Mír, also used for Sayyids, but not exclusively.