Dhikr is the remembrance of Allah (Subhana-hu Wa Ta'laa) commanded in the Qur'an for all Muslims through a specific devotional act, such as the repetition of divine names, supplications and aphorisms from hadith literature and the Qur'an. More generally, dhikr is any activity in which the Muslim maintains awareness of Allah (Subhana-hu Wa Ta'laa). To engage in dhikr is to practice consciousness of the Divine Presence and love. Some types of dhikr are prescribed for all Muslims, and do not require Sufi initiation or the prescription of a Sufi master because they are deemed to be good for every seeker under every circumstance.  

Dhikr is usually done individually but in some Sufi orders it is instituted as a ceremonial activity.

Some Sufi orders engage in ritualized dhikr ceremonies that includes various forms of worship such as: recitation, singing, instrumental music, (most famously the Sufi whirling of the Mevlevi order), incense, meditation, ecstasy, and trance.

One practice of Dhikr is called Dhikr-e-Qulb (remembrance of Allah by Heartbeats). The basic idea in this practice is to visualize the Arabic name of Allah (Subhana-hu Wa Ta'laa), Allah, as having been written on the disciple's heart. Another is dhikr bil Jahr. To create this love, the sufis of this Order advise 'loud or vociferous' remembrance of Allah (Subhana-hu Wa Ta'laa) (dhikr bil Jahr = vociferous, loud, remembrance). It increases the heat of the heart and in turn generates love for Allah (Subhana-hu Wa Ta'laa).