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The practice of Dhikr (remembrance of God) is a foundational element of Islamic worship, rooted in numerous Quranic injunctions. While almost all Muslims engage in some form of Dhikr (such as reciting "SubhanAllah" or "Alhamdulillah" after daily prayers), the methods and permissibility of communal rituals are where the primary differences lie.
Sects and Groups that Emphasize Dhikr
In these traditions, Dhikr is often the spiritual centerpiece of daily life, involving both private and collective ceremonies.
Sufi Orders (Tasawwuf): Sufis are the most prominent practitioners of organized Dhikr. They often perform Dhikr-e-Jali (vocalized) or Dhikr-e-Khafi (silent). Many orders (such as the Naqshbandi, Qadri, and Chishtia) have specific communal gatherings known as Majalis-e-Dhikr.
Shia Islam: Dhikr is central to Shia spirituality, particularly the recitation of the Tasbih of Fatimah. It is also deeply integrated into commemorations (Majalis), where rhythmic remembrance of God and the Prophet's family is common.
Sunni (Traditionalist/Ash'ari/Maturidi): The vast majority of mainstream Sunni Muslims support both individual and collective Dhikr, viewing it as a means to purify the heart.
Groups that Oppose Specific Forms of Dhikr
It is important to note that very few Muslims oppose the concept of Dhikr itself. Instead, the opposition is directed toward how it is performed.
Salafi and Wahhabi Movements: These groups generally oppose communal or "innovated" (Bid'ah) forms of Dhikr. They argue that if the Prophet Muhammad and his companions did not perform Dhikr in a specific rhythmic, loud, or collective way, it should not be done today. They prioritize individual, silent remembrance.
Ahl-e-Hadith: Similar to Salafi thought, this group often critiques Sufi practices like Hadra (rhythmic movement during Dhikr) or the use of music and beads (Tasbih) in some contexts, viewing them as departures from the literal practice of the earliest Muslims.
Points of Contention
The debate usually boils down to three specific practices:
| Practice | Proponents' View | Opponents' View |
| Loud Dhikr | Aids concentration and creates a spiritual atmosphere. | Considered a "disturbing innovation"; silent prayer is preferred. |
| Collective Dhikr | Strengthens community bonds and "polishes the heart." | Seen as lacking a clear scriptural basis for group performance. |
| Physical Movement | A natural expression of spiritual ecstasy. | Viewed as "imitating non-Islamic rituals" or being "un-Islamic." |
In summary, while all Islamic sects perform Dhikr as a personal act of worship, the divide exists between those who celebrate it as a structured, collective, and sometimes physical ritual (Sufi/Traditionalist/Shia) and those who restrict it to the specific individual methods recorded in early traditions (Salafi/Ahl-e-Hadith).
