Zikr means "remembrance' and is the practice of remembrance of the divine. This practice is performed in a group attunement and is usually musical, and sometime spoken or silent. Zikr is a transcultural Sufi ritual that uses repetition of sacred phrases, most often in Arabic, as a means of transcending the individual ego and reaching toward union with the Whole. Attention is drawn to the sound and the circle, where, while letting go of thought, we have the opportunity to notice the embodiment of love, harmony and beauty.
Zikr Activity Guidelines
Purpose: To make zikrs as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
The Eugene Sufi Council welcomes members of the community to all zikr activities. We want all zikr attendees, especially new ones, to feel welcome and to create a comfortable and sacred environment. The responsibility for this lies primarily with the zikr leader, the host, and the ESC members that are present.
Prior and after zikr, it is common that attendees might engage in a greeting. The Eugene Sufi Community underscores the right of every participant in its activities to feel welcome and safe. Permission is never assumed for physical contact, even when eye gazing or hand holding are part of a practice. Amount of body contact should be directed by both parties being sensitive to the cues of both people. If one person signals less contact, then the other person acts similarly in response. Bodily autonomy is respected. Respectful language is used. Sexual and physical harassment are never tolerated.
Prior to the start of zikr, silence is encouraged. The zikr leader will ask if anyone is new to the zikr practice. This is so that individuals may be welcomed and oriented to the practice.
Some zikrs end with an atmosphere that encourages socializing and others of sacred silence. Please follow the example or instructions of the zikr leader whether they would like the room to remain a quiet space or not. Socializing can take place outside the meeting room or the building on evenings when the zikr space remains quiet. Please feel free to leave zikr in silence without interacting with anyone.
Cleanup and furniture rearranging is completed once zikr has ended and the atmosphere has turned social. There is no requirement of attendees to help.
Ongoing Activity: Zikr Service and Calendar
Zikr Activity Guidelines
Purpose: To make zikrs as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
The Eugene Sufi Council welcomes members of the community to all zikr activities. We want all zikr attendees, especially new ones, to feel welcome and to create a comfortable and sacred environment. The responsibility for this lies primarily with the zikr leader, the host, and the ESC members that are present.
Prior and after zikr, it is common that attendees might engage in a greeting. The Eugene Sufi Community underscores the right of every participant in its activities to feel welcome and safe. Permission is never assumed for physical contact, even when eye gazing or hand holding are part of a practice. Amount of body contact should be directed by both parties being sensitive to the cues of both people. If one person signals less contact, then the other person acts similarly in response. Bodily autonomy is respected. Respectful language is used. Sexual and physical harassment are never tolerated.
Prior to the start of zikr, silence is encouraged. The zikr leader will ask if anyone is new to the zikr practice. This is so that individuals may be welcomed and oriented to the practice.
Some zikrs end with an atmosphere that encourages socializing and others of sacred silence. Please follow the example or instructions of the zikr leader whether they would like the room to remain a quiet space or not. Socializing can take place outside the meeting room or the building on evenings when the zikr space remains quiet. Please feel free to leave zikr in silence without interacting with anyone.
Cleanup and furniture rearranging is completed once zikr has ended and the atmosphere has turned social. There is no requirement of attendees to help.
Ongoing Activity: Zikr Service and Calendar
