A zikir is a litany formula that usuallyfollows an Islamic prayer, but which can also be practiced at othertimes. The Arabic word “dhikr,” which literally means "mention,""remembrance," "evocation," or "recollection," is part of the MalayIndonesian vocabulary, sometimes written as dzikir. This concept andmeditation tool is commonly linked with Sufi practices. Certain wordsor names of God are repeated as litanies after prayer, in accordancewith the Prophet Muhammad's tradition, or the teachings of Sufi orders.The most common zikir formulas are "God is holy" (Subhanallah), "Allpraise to God" (Alhamdulillah), "God is most great" (Allahuakbar), and"There is no god but God" (Lailaha-illallah), repeated in either a lowor a high voice.



Thepurpose of this practice is to increase piety. Since in Islam God isconsidered unimaginable and unthinkable, the zikir plays an importantrole in bringing one closer to or into union with God. Some zikirformulas also involve body movement and special breathing patterns,performed while counting beads. Correct practice is achieved when thepractitioner consciously feels comfortable and at peace, which issometimes inaccurately analogized with a state of trance. To beperformed effectively, the zikir must be learned under the guidance ofa teacher who can explain, among other things, the doctrines behind thewords and the difference between the nature and essence of God.