What is Zikar?
Text of Lecture By Hidayat Inayat-Khan
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The word itself is spelled in various ways amongst the different cultures where this practice is done. Therefore, all types of Zikars could be understood as being variations on a specific pattern of sacred words, which are either recited or chanted a chosen number of times, in combination with different types of rotations of the torso, according to the cultures, where this practice is done either on ones own or collectively

There are numerous melodies used for this practice, especially in the ancient Persian Sufi schools, as well as in many other areas, where the followers have created their own melodies to accompany the words of the Zikar. Some are more of an oriental flavor, whereas others are more of a western style.

There are also several types of Zikars: Jelal Zikars, which are very positive affirmations of what the words of the Zikar express; Jemal Zikars, which are done more gently; and Kemal Zikars, that either motivate physical and psychological excitement, or a certain uplifting experience, in accordance with the purpose for which it is practiced.

It is of course to be understood in the different Cultures, the words are pronounced in various ways. The differences in the pronunciations have obviously specific physical and psychological effects.

When pronouncing ‘Il’, one is reinforcing one’s own personal affirmation of the ritual concept known as “God alone exists”, accentuated by a specific resonance experienced at the level of the throat Chakra. In the Sufi Movement, where the “EL” pronunciation is officially adopted, this gentle voice resonance, expressed at the level of the heart, is obviously a humble way of expressing the heart’s longing, rather than expressing an affirmation.

Hazrat Inayat Khan specifically adopted the spelling ‘Zikar’ in order to make it quite clear that this practice done in the Sufi Movement, called the “Gentle Singing Zikar”, differs from the ways that it is performed in various oriental cultures, where the word Zikar is spelled in so many various ways.

Hazrat Inayat Khan has also created a special melody to go with the words of the Zikar, and which is inspired by the sacred raga Bhairavi, with the D flat sung in both the ascending and the descending melodic lines.

This Gentle Singing Zikar; may be done collectively or individually, and it is essential for the singing to be sustained by the accompaniment of a musical instrument used to secure a constant pitch in the singing, as well as sustaining a specific rhythm, which is strictly maintained from the beginning till the end. It is done either sitting cross-legged, or sitting on a chair, in which case it is important that the back does not lean against the chair, which would be a hindrance to the rotation of the torso.

As far as the rotation movement of the torso is concerned, the starting point corresponds to the area of the heart; from where one moves gently, first to the right and then upward in a circular line, finally returning back to the starting point, where the attunement is focused again upon the Heart Chakra until the next repetition is heard.

Another specific characteristic of this gentle singing Zikar is that it is done in four stages. The first stage could be understood as a love song offered to the Divine Presence.

The second stage awakens a longing for the unfoldment of the Divine Presence within the heart. In the third stage the longing is replaced by the discovery of the Divine radiance, which has always been present within. In the fourth stage, that revelation becomes so real that ones self-consciousness is entirely forgotten in this mystical process which offers inner peace, where there are no expectations for magical effects, but if there is a magic, it is that one rises above all wants and worries.

Hazrat Inayat Khan has repeatedly indicated in various teachings that the ‘El’ corresponds to the vibrations of the message in our time, and this specific pronunciation of the words of the Zikar has always been adopted in the Sufi Movement, following the explanations given by our Master.

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