Question :
Some circles of remembrance include jumping, dancing, saying "Allah Haie", and piercing body with knives. Is this permissible?
The Answer :
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
S
Circles of remembrance are gardens of paradise in which we are commanded to take part to be showered with Allah`s mercy and tranquility.
However, remembrance with a humble heart is far greater and more rewarding than remembrance with just the tongue since in the former a person is showered with peace and tranquility, as was the case with the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he remembered His Lord. Allah Says {What means}: "And do thou (O reader!) Bring thy Lord to remembrance in thy (very) soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and be not thou of those who are unheedful." {Al-A`raf, pp.205}.
Consequently, some circles of remembrance, which involve shouting and piercing body with knives is unlawful and disliked by many the scholars; as stated Ibn Hajar in {Tohfat Al-Mohtaj, vol.10/pp.222}. This is particularly since these awkward acts have distorted the beautiful image of the god-fearing and righteous Sufis who adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the views of the scholars. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.