Dhikr

2. Types of Dhikr

Dhikr manifests in multiple forms, each carrying distinct nuances and potentialities. Key categories include:

• Verbal Dhikr: This form involves the recitation of specific phrases or names of God, such as the phrase “La ilaha illallah” (There is no deity but God). It is common to engage in this practice collectively during community gatherings, particularly in Majlis (religious assemblies) or during important occasions.
• Spiritual Dhikr: Beyond verbal recitation, this encompasses meditative practices where individuals reflect on the meanings of God’s names and attributes, contemplating their relevance in personal life. This form encourages deeper understanding and internalization of faith.
• Physical Dhikr: Often linked to rituals, such as those performed during Ashura or Arbaeen, physical expressions of Dhikr can include movement, gestures, or even communal mourning activities that embody the remembrance of divine justice and mercy.

3. Scriptural and Theological Foundations