Zikr differentiates and characterizes Sufi practice and is an essential element of Sufism. The literal meaning of zikr is ‘remembrance,' specifically, remembrance of the Beloved.
Zikr is practiced in a group, where a simple phrase or verse is put to a melody. One then moves from left to right making the figure eight on its side (∞) to represent the scientific symbol of the infinite while singing the specific phrase or verse.
Sufi zikr is composed of unique melodies and instruments using a fusion of modern and traditional instruments like the daf, nay, guitar, keyboard, tonbak and setar.
The following is an excerpt from the book “Ghazaliat” by Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha which is used in Sufi Zikr: