My online research led me to videos of the full Dhikr experience!!! Upon only clicking on a few of the websites it became apparent how easy it is to access this material and have an online physical experience.
The Sufis practice their spiritual mysticism in their prayer. Critics who don't agree with the concept of dhikr, or who are alien to the spiritual closeness class it to be wrong and misleading. For example they see the whirling dervishes to be practising a form of dance; therefore they see these Sufis as misleading and corrupt.
After accessing this site, http://fliiby.com/file/376392/wo0v9btnt2.html I was not only mesmerised by these people but found myself slowly taking part. So what can we say about how the online experience can affect people. Does one really need to be physically present in this gathering in order to be part of this worship?
Well the answer is no!!! The reason I am saying this is because of my own personal experience. After just watching for a few minutes I was drawn in to reciting the words of the Qur'an the same as the people in the dhikr. This was my individual online experience.
After experiencing this, I further searched the web for similar sites. This next Dhikr gathering was from the Qaddriya sect. I was immediatley engaged and just listening to it, and with closed eyes it was another experience in itself. The following are a few must watch youtube videos of different dhikr's.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BaQunfXPpE&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jIopwAhiIU&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO26FXcX4u4&feature=related
I have come to the realisation it is not just the physical presence in a Dhikr gathering which allows one to be spiritually connected in prayer, this can also be done as an online experience. I have learned if these online resources were not available it would have been very difficult to understand the practices of these different sects, therefore cyberspace is a very positive line of interaction.
A very intersting post. I agree that the use of the internet has allowed religion to beome more accesible to those away from their native countries.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we can label the Rumi whirling dervishes as unIslamic. It's all to do with intention. From my own experience, I have found that rocking whilst reciting dhikr is spiritually energising.
ReplyDeleteI also believe it is ones intention which is in question with everything we do as Muslims and in other religions. only those who have experienced the spritual connection can understand the true dedication to their sufi masters.
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