A Note on the Psychology of Dhikr: The Halveti-Jerrahi Order of Dervishes in Istanbul

Abstract

Prayer has often been regarded as the most central aspect of religious life, the very soul and essence of religion (James, 1902, p. 365). Within world religions, the role of prayer is particularly important inIslam. Ritual prayer (salat), performed five times a day, belongs to the fundamental obligations of all Muslims. In addition, there is another type of prayer associated with mystical orders in all Islamic countries. It is a type of repetitive prayer, similar to, for example, the Jesus prayer within Orthodox Christianity, Nembutsu within Japanese Buddhism, or Japa in Hinduism (see Anawati-Gardet, 1961, p. 189; Gilsenan, 1973, p. 157).