Is Sufi dhikr allowed in Islam?
It depends on what is meant. Dhikr itself, alone or in a gathering, is clearly allowed and highly rewarded. Scholars differ on some practices found in Sufi circles, like chanting in unison or swaying, and they agree that anything involving calling on other than Allah is not allowed.
Dhikr is part of Islam for everyone
Remembering Allah is commanded in the Quran and was practised by all the Companions. The Prophet ﷺ said that angels surround people who sit together remembering Allah, mercy covers them and tranquillity descends on them (Sahih Muslim 2700). He also reported that Allah says, "If he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better gathering" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405).
What "Sufi" means here
Sufism (tasawwuf) is a broad tradition focused on purifying the heart. Many famous scholars, like al-Ghazali and an-Nawawi, valued it, and many Sufi orders teach sound sunnah adhkar. At the same time, some groups have added practices that other scholars criticise. So "Sufi dhikr" can mean very different things depending on the group.
Where scholars agree and differ
- Agreed as fine: saying the sunnah adhkar, alone or in a group, silently or aloud, and learning together in a circle. See Should dhikr be said out loud or silently?
- Debated: reciting together in one voice as a group, repeating only the name "Allah, Allah", rhythmic swaying (hadra), or set formulas written by a shaykh. Many scholars in the Sufi tradition allow these; others, including many Hanbali and Salafi scholars, see them as innovations (bid'ah).
- Rejected by all: asking dead saints for help, dhikr mixed with things clearly forbidden, or claims that a practice is obligatory or replaces prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ warned, "Whoever introduces into this matter of ours something that is not from it, it is rejected" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2697). Scholars disagree on which practices fall under this, which is why the debate continues. For a similar discussion, see Is celebrating the Prophet's birthday allowed?
What should a new Muslim do?
You don't need to join any group to do dhikr. Start with the adhkar the Prophet ﷺ taught, which everyone agrees on. If you're invited to a dhikr circle, check that the words are clear, that nobody is called on besides Allah, and that the teacher doesn't discourage you from the obligatory prayers or from learning the basics. Respect Muslims who follow a different view on the debated points. See Do I have to choose Sunni or Shia to become Muslim?
- Dhikr alone or in gatherings is clearly encouraged in the sunnah.
- Group chanting in unison, swaying and similar practices are debated.
- Calling on anyone besides Allah is never allowed.
- Start with the sunnah adhkar, which every school accepts.
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