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Zikr differentiates and characterizes Sufi practice and is an essential element of Sufism. The literal meaning of zikr is 'remembrance' specifically , remembrance of the Beloved.
The formal rendition of zikr is in prayer and in chants. Both include the zikr of words, zikr of movement of the body, and zikr of heart. It is a process of purification of the heart, of cleansing and releasing.
In the stages of zikr, first all is relinquished, then he who is witnessing the Presence forgets the zikr, and thirdly, he shall no longer see himself but only the Divine Beloved.
Zikr is practiced in a group, where a simple phrase or verse is put to a melody. One then moves from left to right making the figure eight on its side ( 8 ) to represent the scientific symbol of the infinite while singing the specific phrase or verse. This practice activates the energy centers in the body, beginning the process of purification of the heart which is essential to achieving self-knowledge.
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