Who is The Faqih from Year of the Elephant: A Moroccan Woman's Journey Toward Independence, and Other Stories and what is their importance?

Not to be confused with the character Faqih, the faqih was the holy man at Zahra's local shrine. Zahra confessed her despair and fears about divorce to the faqih. The faqih provided spiritual comfort, and by the end Zahra leaned upon faith to help her get through her ordeal.