Sufi Orders

The Naqshbandi order traditionally practices silent (khafi) dhikr, though some branches also incorporate vocal (jahri) dhikr[1]. Their core practices include:

1. Heart Meditation (Jikr-e-Sirr or Wakoof Kulbi):

   • Focus attention intensely on the physical heart location
   • Listen to the heartbeat as the name of Allah
   • Mentally repeat “Allah” while maintaining heart focus
   • Cultivate feelings of love for the Divine[10]

2. Breathing Meditation (Hosh dar Dam):

   • Inhale while mentally repeating “Allah”
   • Exhale while mentally repeating “Hu”
   • Visualize divine light entering and purifying the heart[10]

Collective Movement in Unison

• The Haḍra is practiced by several Sufi orders, including Khalwati, Shadhili, and Qadiri. It involves standing together in a circle, moving in unison while chanting names of God or mystical poetry.
• Participants bend forward while exhaling and straighten up while inhaling, creating a rhythmic physical expression that complements the verbal dhikr. This collective movement fosters a sense of unity among participants

The Qadiriyya order often incorporates movement in their dhikr:

1. Four-beat (Chahar Zarb) Dhikr:
   • From upright position, bring head down to navel level saying “La”
   • Return upright saying “ilaha”
   • Incline head toward right breast saying “il”
   • Incline toward heart (left side) saying “Allah”
   • Perform in a single breath[3]

The Mevlevi order, known for their whirling dervishes, incorporates movement:

1. Sema (Whirling) Ceremony:
   • Performers hold one hand palm up toward heaven, the other down toward earth
   • Whirl in a counterclockwise direction
   • Accompanied by music and chanting[2]

Many Sufi orders incorporate these common practices:

1. Repetitive Chanting:

   • “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah) - 12,000 times in decreasing intervals
   • “Allah” - 12,000 times in decreasing intervals
   • Combine both phrases and repeat the process[1]

2. Tasbih Recitation:

   • “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi” (Glory and praise be to Allah) - 100 times daily
   • “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah) - 33 times
   • “Allah Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) - 33 times
   • “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah) - 33 times[5]

3. 99 Names of Allah:

   • Repeat any of Allah’s 99 names as a form of dhikr[10]

4. Quran Recitation:

   • Considered one of the best forms of dhikr[5]

5. Synchronized Group Dhikr:

   • Participants arranged in specific patterns
   • Chanting accompanied by rhythmic body movements[1]

6. Retreat (Khalwah):

   • Intense periods of individual practice, sometimes lasting up to 40 days[1]

Remember, these practices often vary between different Sufi orders and individual teachers. It’s important to perform dhikr under the guidance of a qualified spiritual teacher (sheikh) who can provide proper instruction and ensure the practice is done correctly and safely[1][3].

Citations:

[1] https://www.thecontemplativelife.org/dhikr

[2] https://www.sapiens.org/biology/sufi-ritual-istanbul/

[3] https://www.themathesontrust.org/papers/islam/Bashir-Movement_and_Stillness_Sufi_Dhikr.pdf

[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Sufism/comments/1c6gu7c/what_would_be_the_daily_routine_of_a_sufi/

[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Sufism/comments/wgr7rl/the_practice_of_dhikr/

[6] https://stephenjones.blog/2022/12/11/naqshbandi/

[7] https://sufischool.org/practices/dhikr.html

[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378327733_The_Concept_of_Dhikr_in_Sufism_and_Its_Practices_and_Benefits_in_Life

[9] https://africame.factsanddetails.com/article/entry-332.html

[10] https://manaretreat.com/8-powerful-spiritual-heart-practice-of-sufi-meditation/