Divine grace
"Sema" (or "sama") is traditionally practised in a "semahane" (ritual hall) according to a precisely prescribed symbolic ritual with the "semazens" whirling in a circle around their shaikh. "Semazens" whirl using their right foot to propel themselves in a counter-clockwise circle, whilst their left foot remains rooted to the floor acting as an axis about which the "semazen" turns. Both arms are extended and raised to the level of the head, with the right palm pointing upward (believed to be receiving Divine grace) and the left palm pointing downward (believed to channel that grace to the world). With each 360° turn, the "semazen" is inwardly chanting "Allah" – a form of "dhikr".