Chapter One: Branches of the Order — Dhikr Practices
باب اول — فروع طریقۂ قادریہ
This chapter describes the branches (furu') of the exalted Qadiri order — that is, the various modes of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are prescribed in the order at different stages of the mureed's development.
1. Two-Stroke Dhikr (ذکردوضربی — Dhikr-e-Do Zarbi)
The Two-stroke Dhikr is performed as follows: the mureed sits facing the qibla, closes his eyes, holds his breath, and brings the word 'La ilaha' from the region of the navel, drawing it up to the level of the brain with the first movement — this is the first stroke. Then, striking down with 'illa Allah' upon the heart — which is a piece of flesh located in the left breast — this is the second stroke. The heart should blaze with the heat of this dhikr. The word 'Allah' should be firmly impressed upon the heart. Continue in this manner, performing the complete negation and affirmation of divine unity with each breath.
2. Dhikr-e-Arahe
This is a variant of the two-stroke dhikr in which the path of the dhikr is traced along a slightly different arc. The practitioner draws 'La ilaha' from below the navel along the right side, and then strikes 'illa Allah' down upon the heart from above. It produces a powerful heat in the chest and a deep absorption in the remembrance of Allah.
3. Count of the Two-Stroke Dhikr
The prescribed count for the two-stroke dhikr at the elementary level is twenty-one times per sitting. As the mureed progresses, the Shaykh may increase the count according to the spiritual capacity of the individual.
4. Three-Stroke Dhikr (ذکرسہ ضربی — Dhikr-e-Se Zarbi)
In the three-stroke dhikr, the movement is extended: 'La' is drawn from the navel; 'ilaha' is drawn to the right side of the chest; and 'illa Allah' strikes down upon the heart with force. This triple movement deepens the effect of the dhikr on the subtle centres (lata'if) and accelerates the purification of the heart.
5. Four-Stroke Dhikr (ذکرچہارضربی — Dhikr-e-Chahar Zarbi)
The four-stroke dhikr adds a further movement: 'La' from the navel; 'ilaha' to the right side; 'illa' over the head; and 'Allah' striking down with great force upon the heart. This pattern creates a complete circuit of the major lata'if and is prescribed for more advanced practitioners.
6. Iron Saw Dhikr (ذکرحدادی — Dhikr-e-Haddadi)
The Dhikr-e-Haddadi (Iron Saw Dhikr) takes its name from the motion of an iron saw going back and forth. The practitioner sits cross-legged, holds the nostrils closed, and performs the movement of 'La ilaha illa Allah' while the body rocks back and forth in the manner of a saw cutting through iron. This dhikr is prescribed for cutting through the veils of heedlessness and the dense coverings of the ego.
7. Eye Dhikr (ذکرعینی — Dhikr-e-'Ayni)
In the Eye Dhikr, the practitioner concentrates the remembrance at the point between the two eyes (the centre of the forehead, associated with the latifa-e-khafi). He directs his inner gaze to this point and performs the dhikr of 'Allah' or the complete negation-affirmation while maintaining unbroken concentration at this locus. This dhikr purifies the latifa-e-khafi and opens the inner sight.