128 AN INTRODUCTION TO SUFI DOCTRINE

of the form of the action.! It is precisely because the
inward attitude is wedded to the formal quality of the
rite—a quality which manifests a reality both ontologi-
cal and intellectual—that the act transcends the domain
of the individual soul.

The quintessence of Moslem rites, which could be
called their “‘sacramental’’ element, is the Divine Speech
for which they provide a vehicle. This speech is more-
over contained in the Quran, the recitation of the text
of which by itself constitutes a rite. In certain cases
this recitation is concentrated on a single phrase repea-
ted a definite number of times with the aim of actualis-
ing its deep truth and its particular grace. This practice
is the more common in Islam because the Quran is
composed in great part of concise formulas with a
rhythmical sonority such as lend themselves to litanies
and incantations. For exotericism ejaculatory practices
can only have a secondary importance ; outside esoteri-
cism they are never used methodically, but within it
they in fact constitute a basic method.

All repetitive recitation of sacred formulas or sacred
speech, whether it be aloud or inward, is designated by
the generic term dhikr. As has already been noted this
term bears at the same time the meanings ‘““mention,”
“recollection,” ““evocation” and “memory.” Sufism
makes of invocation, which is dhikr in the strict and
narrow sense of the term, the central instrument of its
method. In this it is in agreement with most traditions

1. Rites of consecration are an exception becavse th.eir bearing is purely
objective. It is enough that one should be qualified to carry them out and
that one should observe the prescribed and indispensable rules.