Prayer Meditation or Dhikr is a practice where the meditator remembers and recites prayers or phrases to worship God and reflect on God’s mercy(1). 

Dhikr, also known as ‘Zikr’, is an Islamic form of worshiping the Almighty(1). There are multiple translations of the word Dhikr, including “to remember,” “to praise,” “to recollect,” “to mention,” and “to commemorate(1).” Dhikr is the most dominant form of Islamic meditation(2). Dhikr Meditation is a devotional act of remembering God by repeating short prayers. These are recited silently in the mind or aloud(1). 

For I have learned that every heart will get What it prays for Most.

-Hafiz

It may involve repeating the name of God multiple times or praising the Divine Power in any other way that you may prefer(1). It is believed that practicing Dhikr has many benefits(1). These include strengthening of heart, comfort, developing self-control, improving concentration and insight, prosperity, and earning the protection of the Almighty(1).

History/Origins

Prayer (Dhikr) Meditation originated from Sufism. The mention of this technique can be seen in classical and medieval Sufi practices and texts(2). This form of meditation has a particularly important place in Kubrawi Sufism. In the Kubrawi order, it is a way of worshiping God that one must practice on his or her own(2). 

The mention of Dhikr can be found in the Quran, too(2). However, neither the Quran nor early Sufism provided any clear meaning of the word(2). Ibn ‘Ata Allah al-Iskandari was one of the first Sufis to provide a brief description of Dhikr. According to him, “It is the repetition of the recollected name (al-ism al-madhkur) by the heart and the tongue(2).”  

By our trust in the divine beauty in every person we develop that beauty in ourselves.

-Hazrat Inayat Khan

Benefits of Dhikr/Zikr

A research article published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology(4) suggests that praying has the capacity to improve overall well-being. Thus, prayer-based practices like Prayer (Dhikr) Meditation can enhance your quality of life. According to another study(5), prayers also have qualities that can significantly reduce anxiety. So, regularly practicing Prayer (Dhikr) Meditation can make your mind more peaceful. 

 

References

  1. iUniverse | Remember Me, and I Will Remember You: Dhikr: The Soul of Islam by Tallal Alie Turfe
  2. Bloomsbury Publishing | Meditation in Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Cultural Histories, edited by Halvor Eifring
  3. McGill Office Of Religious And Spiritual Life | The MORSL Guide To Faith-based Meditation: An introduction to meditative practices from various major world religions
  4. Journal of Psychology and Theology | Volume 19, Issue 1 | 1991 | Page 71-83 | The Effects of Prayer and Prayer Experiences on Measures of General Weil-Being by Margaret M. Poloma and Brian F. Pendleton