How did dhikr help Sufis focus their attention on God?

In Sufism, dhikr serves as a vital method for focusing attention on God by acting as a form of "remembrance". By frequently repeating the names of God or specific religious formulas—such as "there is no god but God"—practitioners strive to achieve spiritual perfection and oneness with the Divine.1

To facilitate this focus, Sufis employ several techniques:

• Repetition and Rhythm: Formulas are recited either aloud or silently, often with rhythmical wording to deepen concentration.12
• Physical Discipline: Many orders incorporate prescribed postures, body movements, or breath control, sometimes involving the complete holding of the breath to maintain focus.12
• Meditation: Some orders, such as the Naqshbandiyyah, emphasize the silent repetition of formulas (dhikr khafī) combined with meditation on specific points of the body, prioritizing contemplation over emotional ecstasy.2
• Communal or Solitary Practice: Dhikr may be performed in solitude, such as after the five daily prayers, or within a community setting as part of a tariqa (Sufi order).1

These practices are rooted in Qurʾānic injunctions to remember God constantly.1