dhikr

Dhikr, sometimes transliterated as zikr, is an Arabic term meaning "remembrance." In Islamic contexts it refers to the remembrance of God (Allah) through conscious awareness and devotion. It spans verbal recitation, contemplation, and a remembrance held in the heart. While widely practiced across Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions, it is especially central in Sufism, where dhikr may be performed in formal group settings or individually.

Common expressions include phrases of praise and affirmation such as Subhanallah (glory to God), Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), Allahu Akbar (God is most great), La ilaha illallah (there is no god but God), and Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness). Dhikr can be spoken aloud, whispered, or recited silently, and may be aided by prayer beads (tasbih or misbaha) or by tracking breaths. It is often performed as part of daily routines, including morning and evening adhkar and during prayer.

Purpose and effect: The aim is to keep God present in the believer’s thoughts and actions, fostering awareness, gratitude, repentance, humility, and purification of the heart. In many Sufi orders, dhikr is a central practice with prescribed formulas, sequences, and sometimes rhythmic chanting; in ordinary practice it may simply involve steady repetition of phrases during quiet contemplation or while performing acts of worship.

Variations: Practices and terminology vary by tradition, with some emphasizing silent contemplation and others emphasizing vocal repetition, group singing, or rhythmic movement. Across Islamic schools, dhikr is generally understood as a spiritual discipline designed to strengthen remembrance of God.