Zikr (or dhikr) means repetition, remembrance, recital. Zikr is a form of spiritual practice associated with the Sufi way or path. Zikr is perhaps most often visualized in Western minds as “whirling dervishes”, specifically those devoted to the Mevlevi way established by Rumi, although zikr can take many other forms.
Zikr is properly integrated with a deeper spiritual progress which includes years of experiences and knowledge attained through a Sufi master and interaction with community. Zikr is one of the physical forms that can be utilized by a human soul searching for and in progress toward harmony and integration with all creation.
“In his teaching system Rumi used explanation and mental drill, thought and meditation, work and play, action and inaction. The body-mind movements of the Whirling Dervishes, coupled with the reed-pipe music to which they were performed, is the product of a special method designed to bring the Seeker into affinity with the mystical current, in order to be transformed by it. Everything which the unregenerate man understands has a use and a meaning within the special context of Sufism which may be invisible until it is experienced. ‘Prayer,’ says Rumi, ‘has a form, a sound and a physical reality. Everything which has a word, has a physical equivalent. And every thought has an action.’ “
“The Sufis” by Idries Shah
While zikr is usually practiced within spiritual communities, there are also zikr performances designed specifically for a non-practicing, external audience.
These can give us a glimpse of the search for essence and human development that are aims of the Sufi way.
The public Zikr performances we attend in Cairo are in the evening, so for visitors to Egypt this can be added to your daytime tour.
Friends of Real Egypt who are living in Cairo or visiting from elsewhere in Egypt can attend the zikr as one of our small group events, follow us on Facebook for announcements.
If you are interested in attending a zikr performance contact our Travel Advisors by email [email protected] or WhatsApp +201100022242
Photos: thanks to Sohaila our team member and Caroline
Video: thanks to Youssif our team member
