Suhbah
/ˈsuːbɑː/noun
Spiritual companionship or fellowship, especially between Sufi seekers and a teacher.
Did you know?In Sufi tradition, suhbah can mean learning through the living presence and character of a spiritual guide, not merely through written instruction.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ṣ-ḥ-b
“To accompany or keep company”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣaḥiba
“He accompanied or kept company with”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣuḥba
“Companionship, association, or fellowship”
Early Islamic period
Arabic
ṣaḥāba
“The companions of the Prophet Muhammad”
Medieval Islamic period
Arabic/Persian
ṣuḥbat
“Spiritual fellowship or association with a guide”
Modern English
English
suhbah
“Sufi spiritual companionship or fellowship”