Dhikr in Islamic Sufism A Case Study: The Order of Kubrawiyya

Abstract

Among various orders of Islamic Sufism, one of the common rituals is dhikr. While sharīa places significant emphasis on the repetition of different dhikr formulas, it does not mandate its practice. However, within the diverse orders of Sufism, dhikr is viewed as a fundamental aspect of conduct and a cornerstone of practical mysticism. In Islamic Sufism, disciples deem it obligatory to purify the nafs. Consequently, dhikr is regarded as a means to this end across various schools and branches of Islamic Sufism. Each order of Islamic Sufism has developed its own unique instructions and rituals for its followers. The Kubrawiyya order, one of the oldest schools of Islamic Sufism, has also established its own rituals and instructions pertaining to dhikr for its disciples. The primary objective of this paper is to elucidate the essence and the quality of dhikr in the Kubrawiyya order. This includes its importance, principles, objectives, methods, and results. The analysis is based on the materials presented in the texts of the Kubrawiyya order, supplemented by references to other sources of Islamic Sufism. This scholarly approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of dhikr within the Kubrawiyya order specifically, and Islamic Sufism more broadly.

Keywords

• dhikr
• disciple
• islamic mysticism
• kubrawiyya
• sufism