Crossword-Solution: FAQIR 5 letters, 12 clues 🏆 scrabble score: 17

While he was pondering what could have brought this into the merciless desert, a man drew near who was dressed like a faqir, and had bare head and feet, but walked with the free carriage of a person of rank.

Who are you? How did you come to make your dwelling in this wilderness?” To this the faqir replied: “O youth! it would be best for you to have nothing to do with me and to know nothing of my fortunes, for my story is fit neither for telling nor for hearing.” The prince, however, pleaded so hard to be told, that at last there was nothing to be done but to let him hear.

CHAPTER II AFGHAN TRADITIONS Israelitish origin of the Afghans--Jewish practices--Shepherd tradition of the Wazirs--Afridis and their saint--The zyarat or shrine--Graveyards--Custom of burial--Graves of holy men--Charms and amulets--The medical practice of a faqir--Native remedies--First aid to the wounded--Purges and blood-letting--Tooth extraction--Smallpox.

There are few graveyards which do not boast some such holy man or faqir in their midst; in fact, as often as not, the chance burial of some such holy man in an out-of-the-way part determines the site of a cemetery, because all those in the country round desire to have their graves near his, in the belief that at the Resurrection Day his sanctity will atone for any of their shortcomings, and insure for them an unquestionable entry into bliss.

After the fire had somewhat died down, the still glowing embers were beaten down with sticks, and then the faqir, reciting the Kalimah with great zest, proceeded to deliberately walk across, after which he invited the more daring among the faithful to follow his example, assuring them that if they recited the creed in the same way and with sincerity, they would suffer no harm.