dhikr

American  

[dik-er] / ˈdɪk ər /

noun

Islam.

plural

dhikrs, dhikr

1. a meeting of dervishes at which a phrase containing a name of God is chanted rhythmically to induce a state of ecstasy.

2. each set of passages from the Quran so chanted, with its accompanying ritual.

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Etymology

Origin of dhikr

First recorded in 1780–90; ultimately from Arabic ḏikr “remembrance, mentioning,” from ḏakara “to remember, recall”

Example Sentences

Sufis just do more dhikr and more variegated types of dhikr than non-sufi Muslims.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2016

The chanting built, the drumming grew more insistent — this was the Friday evening dhikr, the rhythmic repetition of God’s name designed to bring the supplicant closer to direct contact with the almighty.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2012

We prayed together and we practised dhikr, the recitation of the ninety-nine revealed names of God.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel