PROCESSUAL FORM IN SUFI DHIKR RITUAL

Abstract

Sufi rituals are believed to be compiled by the founder (pîr) of the order. Therefore, the ritual conductor (şeyh, postnişin) symbolizes the founder. Every ritual form consists of chanting (dhikr) the several divine names (esmâ). While participants perform the divine names with drone-like melodic repetitions or guttural rhythmic ostinatos, musicians perform songs, recitations, and improvisations. Through rhythmic enunciation, body sway, and breath control, these chants are embodied as ostinatos while music fluctuates the mood. This article illustrates how ritual formality and its subjective experience reflect certain concepts of Sufism.