🕋 Understanding DHIKR: The Recollection of The Divine in Islam

Definition

Dhikr (ذكر) - Derived from the Arabic root (ذ-ك-ر) meaning “to remember,” Dhikr in Islamic practice is the remembrance of Allah (God). Verse 33:41 of the Qurʾān instructs believers: “O you who believe, remember Allah with frequent dhikr.” It encompasses acts of individual and collective devotion, utilizing litanies, prayers, and various spiritual practices rooted deeply in Islamic tradition.

Etymology and Background

The term Dhikr originates from the Arabic root “ذَكَرَ” (dhakara), which means “to remember” or “to mention.” This term finds profound expanse within Islam, existing as a key theological and spiritual act of devotion, commanded by the Qurʾān.

Historical Context and Significance

Historically, Dhikr represents a central component within the spectrum of Islamic spiritual practices:

• Qurʾānic Injunctions: The Qurʾān emphasizes frequent remembrance of Allah in several verses (e.g., 62:10, 2:152, 13:28).
• Prophetic Hadiths: Prophet Muhammad advocated for Dhikr, stating, “The best Dhikr is [to say] Lā ilāha illā Allāh (There is no God but Allah)".
• Sufi Tradition: Within Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief, Dhikr forms a core devotional practice, often conducted in group settings with unique prayers and litanies specific to each Sufi order (Tariqah).

Cultural Variations and Practices

Different Muslim societies practice Dhikr uniquely:

• Arab World: Emphasis on Qurʾānic recitations and traditional formulas.
• Turkey and Bosnia: Sufi orders like the Mevlevi and Bektashi perform Dhikr with music and whirling dance.
• South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh): Group recitations, devotional scripts such as Qawwali music.
• Indonesia and Malaysia: Incorporate local traditions and collective Dhikr in mosques.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Tadhakkur (تَذَكُّر): Remembrance.
• Tasbeeh (تسبیح): Praising Allah.
• Tehlil (تحليل): Chanting the oneness of God (e.g., Lā ilāha illā Allāh).

Antonyms

• Nisyan (نِسيَان): Forgetfulness.
• Ghaflah (غَفلَة): Heedlessness or negligence.

Related Terms

• Tasawwuf (التصوف): Sufism or Islamic mysticism.
• Wird (الوِرد): Litany or regular devotional practice.
• Salah (صلاة): Ritual prayer in Islam.
• Du’a (دُعَاء): Supplication or invocation to Allah.

Fascinating Facts

• Mevlevi Order: Known for the “Whirling Dervishes,” this Sufi order incorporates rotational dance in remembering Allah.
• Dhikr Beads: Tasbih or Misbaha beads are commonly used to keep count of repetitive utterances or invocations.
• Ecstatic Devotion: Some Sufi practices embrace ecstatic states (Wajd), within Dhikr sessions, signifying a deep spiritual union with Allah.

Quotations

• Rumi, a celebrated Sufi poet, comments on Dhikr: “In the union there’s no distinction between lover, beloved, and love. They’re all intertwined, remembering Him.”

Literature and Sources

For those seeking deeper understanding:

• “The Heart of Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
• “Sufism: Love and Wisdom” by Jean-Louis Michon.
• “The Complete Fīhī Mā Fīhī” by Mevlana Rumi.
• Quran translations and Hadith collections such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

May your heart resonate with the divine harmony of Dhikr, transporting you to a realm of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

— Hassan Al-Rasheed, 2023