Murid

Murid (Arabic: مُرِيد‎) is a Sufi term meaning 'committed one' from the root meaning "willpower" or "self-esteem". It refers to a person who is committed to a Murshid (teacher) in a Tariqa (spiritual path) of Sufism. Also known as a Salik (Arabic: سَالِك‎), a murid is an initiate into the mystic philosophy of Sufism. When the Talib makes a pledge (Bay'ah) to a Murshid the Talib becomes initiated as a Murid. The initiation process is known as `ahd (Arabic: عَهْد ‎) or Bai'ath. Before initiation a Murid is guided and taught by a Murshid (Arabic: مُرْشِد‎) or Pir who must first accept the initiate as his or her disciple. Throughout the instruction period, the Murid typically experiences visions and dreams during personal spiritual exercises. These visions are interpreted by the Murshid. The Murid is invested in the cloak of the order upon initiation, having progressed through a series of increasingly difficult and significant tasks on the path of mystical development. Murids often receive books of instruction from Murshids and often accompany itinerant Murshids on their wanderings.