Syria: Islamic Ritual Zikr in Aleppo

Sufism or tasawwuf (التصوف‎) — a mystical trend in Islam, the followers of which dedicate themselves to the search for spiritual self-improvement and direct personal communication with God. Sufism emerged in the 7th century and since then has acquired a huge variety of forms throughout the Muslim world.

Zikr (ذکر‌‎), which means "remembrance," is a common mystical practice in Sufism, involving the repeated recitation of a phrase or prayer glorifying God. In many Muslim communities, where the call to prayer (azan) and the recitation of the Quran in a melodious manner are two recognized forms of vocal art, the practice of zikr is often criticized alongside other musical practices.

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