Zikr Without Concentration

The quotation of Hadrat Hakim Akhtar Saheb Rahimahullah in no way means that one should not engage in Zikrullah if one is not concentrating, rather one is encouraged to engage in Zikrullah at all times.

The Quraan Sharif explaining the qualities of the people of intelligence, state that these are the people who remember Allah Ta’aala whilst standing, sitting and even whilst they lay on their sides. In other verses Allah Ta’aala states, “And glorify Him morning and evening” which could refer to engaging in Zikrullah at all times, or after Fajr and Asr.

By engaging in Zikrullah in a manner whereby one is verbally involved in Zikrullah but the heart is negligent of Allah Ta’aala is also not void of benefit. Here too a person derives some level of benefit according to the Mashaaikh, although it is minimal. In order to derive maximum benefit one is required to free one’s self and engage in Zikrullah with complete concentration and devotion. This is when a person will derive maximum benefit.

The meaning of the quote mentioned in the Kitaab is; if one wants to reach one’s destination and ultimate objective, which is acquiring the true love of Allah Ta’aala then one’s Zikr should be carried with complete concentration, or else one may not attain that objective, even though that too is not void of benefit. 

Hadrat Maulana Gangohi Rahimahullah mentions that Zikr without concentration is also a great bounty, as one limb of the body (the tongue) is engaged in the remembrance of Allah Ta’aala.

In short, Zikrullah will be most beneficial if carried out with concentration (as prescribed by the Mashaaikh) but this does not mean that it should be discarded if one is unable to concentrate.