Muslim mystic group in the Sufi tradition that flourished in Iran during the 8th century.
The name, derived from the Arabic la 02BE; ma ("to be wicked"), refers to the group's focus on their own failings and misdeeds. The Mal 0101; matiyyahs saw self-blame as conducive to detachment from worldly things and disinterested service to God. To avoid praise and respect, they hid their knowledge and piety, and they made known their faults as a reminder of the need for self-improvement, while remaining tolerant and forgiving toward others. See also Sufism .