dhikr: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “dhikr” mean?
A form of Islamic devotion involving the rhythmic repetition of short prayers or the names of God.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of Islamic devotion involving the rhythmic repetition of short prayers or the names of God.
In a broader spiritual context, it can refer to any meditative practice of remembrance or mindfulness focused on the divine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences; both use the transliteration 'dhikr'.
Connotations
Similar religious and mystical connotations in both contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse; primarily found in academic, interfaith, or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dhikr” in a Sentence
[Participant] performs dhikrDhikr involves [Action]The dhikr of [Divine Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dhikr” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The worshippers will dhikr quietly after the evening prayer.
- She learned to dhikr properly at the mosque.
American English
- They dhikr together every Thursday night.
- He prefers to dhikr in solitude.
adverb
British English
- He prayed dhikr-like throughout the day.
- She moved dhikr-fully through the ritual.
American English
- They chanted almost dhikr-style.
- He recited the names dhikr-softly.
adjective
British English
- The dhikr circle meets weekly.
- He maintained a dhikr-focused lifestyle.
American English
- She attended a dhikr session.
- The dhikr practice was central to his faith.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Islamic studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare; only among practicing Muslims or those interested in comparative spirituality.
Technical
Specific term in Sufi Islamic practice and liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dhikr”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dhikr”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dhikr”
- Mispronouncing as 'dick-er' or 'dih-ker'.
- Using it as a countable plural ('dhikrs' is uncommon; 'acts of dhikr' is preferred).
- Spelling as 'zikr', 'thikr', or 'dikr'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are different transliterations of the same Arabic word (ذِكْر). 'Dhikr' is a more precise transliteration, but 'zikr' is common in South Asian contexts.
While it is a specifically Islamic devotional act, the concept of mindful remembrance of the divine is found in many faiths. Non-Muslims may study or observe it, but practicing it with Islamic intent would be unusual.
Salat refers to the formal, ritual prayers performed at prescribed times with specific movements and recitations. Dhikr is a more flexible, often repetitive, practice of remembrance that can be performed anytime, anywhere.
"Subhanallah" (Glory be to God), "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to God), and "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) are among the most common short phrases. Also the repetition of the 99 Names of God.
A form of Islamic devotion involving the rhythmic repetition of short prayers or the names of God.
Dhikr is usually formal, religious in register.
Dhikr: in British English it is pronounced /ˈðɪkr/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈðɪkr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be lost in dhikr”
- “The dhikr of the heart”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DHIKeR' = 'Divine Heart-Invoking Keen Remembrance'.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMEMBRANCE IS A PURIFYING LIGHT / THE HEART IS A GARDEN WATERED BY DHIKR.
Practice
Quiz
The primary linguistic root of 'dhikr' relates to which concept?