0% Complete
Dhikr: The Practice of Remembrance
Master the foundational practice of invoking God's names and attributes to purify the heart.
Dhikr is the heartbeat of Sufi practice. While you learned about dhikr conceptually in the Foundations path, now you will learn how to practice it effectively.
The Arabic word dhikr means "remembrance" or "mention." In practice, dhikr involves:
✦Step-by-Step
- •Silent remembrance of sacred phrases
- •Rhythmic repetition synchronized with breath
- •Full concentration and presence
- •Invoking the divine names and attributes
The most fundamental dhikr is "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but God). When repeated with sincere intention and full presence, this phrase restructures consciousness, gradually removing veils between the heart and divine reality.
The practice has multiple levels:
✦Key Points
- •Level 1 The Literal Level:
- •Repeat the phrase mechanically while understanding its meaning. Even at this level, the practice begins to work, as the mind becomes quieter.
✦Key Points
- •Level 2 The Heart Level:
- •Bring awareness to the heart. Feel the phrase resonating at the center of your being. Your entire consciousness becomes absorbed in remembrance.
✦Key Points
- •Level 3 The Divine Level:
- •The distinction between rememberer and remembered dissolves. You are no longer consciously repeating the phrase,rather, you are being remembered by God.
Practical Guidelines:
✦Step-by-Step
- •Find a clean, quiet place where you won't be disturbed
- •Perform ablution (wudu) to prepare physically and spiritually
- •Sit comfortably with spine straight, hands on your lap
- •Begin by setting sincere intention: "I am remembering God for His own sake"
- •Repeat "La ilaha illallah" silently, slowly, feeling each word
- •Synchronize with breathing: "La ilaha" on the inhale, "illallah" on the exhale
- •Continue for 15-30 minutes
- •End with gratitude and a moment of silence
Common challenges and solutions:
"My mind wanders" Answer: This is normal. Each time you notice your mind wandering, gently return to the dhikr. The value is in the returning, not in perfect concentration.
"I don't feel anything" Answer: Spiritual experience is not the goal,obedience and consistency are. Continue with trust and sincerity.
"Should I visualize anything?" Answer: Keep it simple. Focus on the meaning of the words and the presence of your heart. Advanced visualization techniques come later with proper guidance.
With consistent practice, dhikr becomes natural. Eventually, you carry the remembrance into all your activities,walking, working, eating. This is the ultimate goal: constant awareness of God.
Key Takeaways
Reflection Prompt
“Begin a daily dhikr practice of 15 minutes. Notice how it affects your consciousness and daily awareness.”
💡 Writing your thoughts helps deepen understanding
Test Your Understanding
Take a quick quiz to reinforce what you've learned
Ready to mark as complete?
Mark your progress to track your learning journey