Prayer and Music – How the Sound of Dhikr Awakens the Heart?

Introduction: The Divine Path of Sound

Sometimes, a simple “Amin” resonates more profoundly than music. At times, the sound of dhikr transforms into a cry from within the heart. Prayer is both a vocal and silent invocation. Music is a rhythmic flow. Dhikr serves as a sonic bridge between the two, leading towards the Divine.

In this article, we will explore how prayer, music, and dhikr impact the human soul, mind, and body through scientific, religious, and artistic lenses. Because the sound of prayer is not merely heard—it transforms the individual.

I. Vocal Prayer in Islam: Not Just Words, But Waves

The sound of prayer is not about words but the waves of intention. The Quran states:

“Call upon your Lord humbly and privately.” (Al-A'raf, 7:55)

This verse highlights two key concepts:

• Humbly: Audibly, with need, and a trembling heart.

• Privately: Silently, yet sincerely, alone with God.

In Islam, prayer is not just text but a spiritual flow of sound. Hence, Sufis recite their prayers melodiously, harmoniously, aligning with the heart's rhythm. This practice bridges dhikr and the mystical connection between prayer and music.

II. Music and the Brain: The Tone That Opens the Soul's Door

Sound directly activates emotional centers in the brain.

During dhikr and music:

• Limbic system (emotions)

• Amygdala (fear and memory)

• Hippocampus (short-term memory)

• Prefrontal cortex (meaning and decision-making) become active.

At this time, in the brain:

• Alpha and theta waves strengthen—leading to relaxation.

• Dopamine increases—resulting in joy.

• Oxytocin rises—fostering bonding.

• Serotonin elevates—promoting inner balance.

Thus, dhikr is akin to music—it calms the brain and regulates the heart.

III. Dhikr: When Words Transform into Music

Dhikr involves the repetition and vibrational utterance of God's names.

In Sufi dhikrs:

• Chanting “Ya Allah,” “Ya Rahman,” “Ya Shafi” creates rhythm with the body.

• Rhythmic breathing, sound waves, and self-repetition induce a trance state.

This trance signifies a musical phase of spiritual elevation.

Mevlana Rumi said:

“When words are silent, the soul speaks through music.”

Here, dhikr, prayer, and music converge and become inseparable.

IV. Praying with Music: Where Is the Limit, Where Is the Spirit?

Islamic perspectives on music vary. However, spiritual music (hymns, qasidas, Sufi songs) is accepted. If:

• The lyrics lead to the remembrance of God.

• The music awakens the soul, not the ego.

• It directs one towards contemplation, not heedlessness.

Then, it can become a form of worship.

If there's no difference between one who prays with tears and another who sings with sincerity, and the intention and heart are pure—that prayer is accepted.

V. Dhikr and Rhythm: The Drumbeat of the Heart

Every human body possesses natural music: heart rhythm, breath, blood circulation.

During dhikr:

• Rhythmic repetition aligns with the heart.

• The steady vibration of sound regulates breathing.

• Harmonious words create harmony in the brain.

This harmony is also observed in prayer:

• Ruku: The rhythm of bowing.

• Sajda: The tone of humility.

• Verses: Melodic pronunciation.

Thus, worship itself is silent music.

VI. Real Stories: Transformed by the Music of Prayer and Dhikr

Story 1:

A woman suffering from depression doesn't respond to conventional treatments. She begins listening to dhikr music daily, starting with the “Ya Fattah” dhikr. After three months, she feels “spiritually cleansed.”

Story 2:

A young man loses motivation. Upon hearing Sufi music, he says he finds his “heart's heartbeat.” He starts writing prayers accompanied by the sound of dhikr.

Story 3:

An elderly man in a nursing home whispers the “Ya Nur” dhikr every evening. Staff members note a sense of tranquility in his room. It's not music, but the healing power of sound.

VII. Musical Prayer – From Children to Adults

When children are taught prayer and dhikr melodiously:

• They memorize easily.

• Participate with joy.

• Overcome fears more quickly.

Sometimes, a mother says “May Allah protect you” in a lullaby style. This serves as both prayer and therapy.

Adults similarly find spiritual stability through musical dhikrs. Prayer and music are natural companions.

VIII. Music and Prayer – Translating Emotions into Words

Sometimes, a person doesn't know what to say. They simply listen to a melody, and tears well up. At that moment:

• Prayer is not spoken.

• It's expressed in the soul.

• Music translates it.

This translation doesn't come from the heavens—it's a letter written by the soul to itself.

IX. Prayer and Music: Differences and Convergences

People experience the unity of prayer and music in religious songs: qasidas, hymns, Sufi songs, the melodic recitation of the Quran...

X. Conclusion: The Music of the Soul – Between Prayer and Dhikr

Sound is the invisible language given to us by God. Prayer expresses this language aloud, dhikr through repetition, and music through harmony.

Sometimes, a “Ya Rahman” resonates more deeply than a symphony. Sometimes, an “Amin” from the heart knocks on the doors of the heavens. Because God communicates not through sound, but through the music of intention.

Final Question and Reflection:

What connections do you feel between prayer and music? Do you listen to music while praying, or do you immerse yourself in silence through dhikr? In your opinion, how does the soul speak: through words, silence, or music?

Share your thoughts with us. Perhaps your dhikr becomes the tranquility of another heart.