Islam and Meditation

In the Islamic tradition, meditative practices expand on elements of ritual prayer, especially among Sufi Muslims, who use them to introspect, uncover the ego's delusion, and purify the heart. No single term means "meditation." Practices include dhikr (remembrance through repeating Qur'anic phrases or God's names), muraqaba (wordless contemplation of God's presence), and samaʿ (ecstatic listening with music or motion). Supplication, benediction, and litany recitation also have meditative qualities. All aim at waging the "greater jihad" against selfishness and egoistic delusion.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract In the Islamic tradition, diverse meditative practices expand on elements of the ritual prayer. Sufi Muslims explore their potential as independent practices to introspect, uncover the delusion of the ego, and purify the heart. There is no single term meaning “meditation.” Dhikr or remembrance consists of repeating phrases from Qurʾan or names of God. Focusing on God’s presence without words is called muraqaba or contemplation. More embodied practices use music or motion as meditative tools, known as samaʿ or ecstatic listening. Supplication, benediction, and recitation of litanies have meditative qualities. All these meditative practices have the single aim of waging the “greater jihad” against selfishness and egoistic delusion.