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Lisan al Gaib is the Fremen term for an off-world prophet or messiah. The term comes from the Arabic, "لسان," (Lisan) meaning "Tongue," and potentially "الغيب" (al Gaib) meaning "The hidden", "The absent/missing", or "The unseen". It is possible that Herbert intended to reference the metaphysical Sufi application of الغيب, which has been conjectured to connote the 'unseen dimensions of Reality'. If so, Lisan al Gaib may indicate that one is a "prophet" rather than a "foreigner". With that said, Herbert rarely drew from extant language or concept without a degree of obfuscation and amalgamation. It may be as likely that he was referencing the word, "الغريب" (al garib), meaning "The Strange(r)", "The Otherworldly", or "The Weird". Given Old English definitions of "weird" and the Fremen's reference to Jessica as a witch, this connection may be supported. Taken in combination, Lisan al Gaib may be understood to mean that who is alien (both geographically and organismically), and who speaks with supernatural power and insight into that which is not known.

It is "The Voice from the Outer World" and is outlined in Fremen messianic legends heavily influenced by the Bene Gesserit's Missionaria Protectiva. It is also translated as the "Giver of Water."

Paul Atreides suggests that the term means that the Bene Gesserit have been planting superstitions of The One, but Jessica remarks that they have been preparing the Fremen for the arrival of The One.[1]

Beginning in The Original Dune, Paul Atreides is often referred to as the Lisan al Gaib by the Fremen. This is first seen when the Atreides arrive on Dune and are ‘touring’ the capital.

Also the great persian poet "Hafiz" (1315-1390) whose Poems have spiritual and religious depth was called by this Nickname.


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