Imam Al-Sharanis book Al-Anwar fi Adab Al-Subhah inda Al-Akhabar p.164-167.

The final chapter about the agreed upon etiquettes of dhikr

Translated by Arfan shah (Straight Translations and Sheikhy notes).

Know, may Allah grant me and you success to make constant dhikr, the etiquette of dhikr when it is articulated by the tongue are twenty six. Some of them are before dhikr; some are during dhikr and the remainder after finishing dhikr.

The five that are before

One: genuine repentance: which is to repent from all that does not concern one of speech, action and desire. In terms of speech (Dhu Noon Al-Misri), Whoever claims to have repented but inclines to something of the permissible worldly desires is a liar. Two: bath or ablution. Three: applying perfume on the clothes and mouth (Miswak?) Four: consecrate his intention; it should be a spur for him to make dhikr in an exemplar fashion and not any other manner. Five: accompanying reverence of the mentioned

As for the sixteen states during dhikr

One: sitting in a clean place like the sitting for the tashahud of prayer. Two: placing palms on the thighs. Three: facing the Qibla if you are alone and if you are in a group facing them. Four: perfuming the place of dhikr Five and six: maintaining sincerity and truthfulness Seven: that the food and dress be halal/lawful Eight: that the place be dark Nine: closing the eyes when making dhikr Ten: visualise the meaning of the dhikr Eleven: not to include something else besides Twelve: negate everything that exists from the heart except the mentioned. Thirteen: that it be aloud Fourteen: that is be with his whole strength Fifteen: to imagine the person of ones sheikh before your eyes Sixteen: avoid melody

As for the five after dhikr:

One: blaming the self momentarily Two: not to drink until two or three degrees pass Three: to be silent for an extended period of time Four: observe the dhikr of the wird Five: gratitude of ease and seeking forgiveness for shortcomings.

These are the etiquettes of dhikr that are disagreed upon

As for the dhikr that is not agreed upon they are many, they are as many as one hundred. I did not see in the scholars of this time who knew ten of etiquettes of dhikr.

Warning
The best formula of dhikr is word of sincerity (la illah il Allah) because its effect is great and it is not found in other forms of dhikr.

Another warning
According to some silence should have three etiquettes: One: to envision being before Allah (the Exalted) and he is reciting. Two: containing the senses so not even one hair moves, like cat waiting for mouse. Three: negate all thoughts and making the meanings of the dhikr move across the heart.

Another warning
It is known that the correct manner concerning dhikr when silent and hearing speech that the people have composed. Do not move, do not speak or praise the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) and if you bless do it internally and not aloud.

We pray that Allah accepts this translation, forgives our families, teachers and all the Muslims. May endless and countless blessings be showered upon the final Messenger (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings), always and forever, upon his family, the Awilyah and all the Prophets and Messengers. This translation was completed on 22th Rajab/2th June 2013 by his servant Arfan shah (Straight Translations and Sheikhy notes).