Hesychasm and Sufism—A Comparison Between Jesus Prayer and Dhikr

Abstract

The comparison between Hesychasm and Sufism focuses on their respective mystical practices: the Jesus Prayer in Hesychasm and Dhikr in Sufism. Both traditions emphasize withdrawing from worldly distractions to achieve spiritual purity and communion with the divine. In Hesychasm, practitioners use the Jesus Prayer to attain inner stillness and experience divine light, aiming for a state of contemplation where the mind is enveloped in spiritual radiance. Similarly, Sufism’s Dhikr involves a repetitive invocation of Allah’s name to achieve spiritual awareness and unity with God, promoting inner tranquility and protection from negative influences. Both practices stress the continuity of prayer and the progression from vocal to mental recitation, fostering deep spiritual states. Despite theological and doctrinal differences, both traditions share a universal quest for mystical union and emphasize the transformative power of spiritual practice in achieving a direct connection with the divine. These practices continue to shape spiritual life in their respective religious contexts, illustrating common themes of seeking spiritual enlightenment through disciplined meditation and prayer.

Keywords

• hesychasm
• Sufism
• Dhikr
• Jesus Prayer
• mystical
• spirituality