“Time is money.”
“Time is of the essence.”
We hear phrases like these often, usually proclaimed to boost our productivity. Generally speaking, even across cultures and professions, nothing is more valuable than money, and the fact that money is equated with time speaks volumes about its importance. As Muslims, we believe Allah (SWT) created everything and what He creates is sacred and to be cherished. We treasure it, are grateful for it, and strive to use it wisely. Some things given to us are gifts, sources of joy with potential for success. Time is one such gift, without which nothing is possible. The more time given, the more opportunities for good we have. However, Allah (SWT) will ask how we used that gift and will judge us accordingly. Indeed, accountability is a hallmark of our faith.
Everything He creates is sacred
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve (lunar) months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.” (Quran 9:36)
Allah’s (SWT) emphasis on certain months suggests we should be extra mindful of our religious obligations during those times and aim to increase our worship and good deeds in hopes their rewards will be magnified. This teaches us there is purpose and an obligation in how we pass our time.
This purpose is clearly stated throughout the Quran and hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For example, Allah (SWT) said: “I have only created jinns and men that they may serve Me. No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) sustenance, Lord of Power, steadfast forever.” (Quran 51:56-58) With this, it becomes our duty to fill our time by serving Allah (STW). We can do this in various ways, including service to humanity, to ourselves, and to our families.
A gift to be grateful for and used wisely
In Islam and in life, gratefulness is touted as a balm, both for the soul and for the practicalities of everyday life. Allah (SWT) said: “Be grateful to Allah for whoso is grateful is grateful for the good of his own soul.” (Quran 31:12). Here we are told to thank Allah (SWT) for all He has given us is out of His mercy, as we can do nothing alone.
As mentioned, gratitude benefits our soul, a claim backed by scientists who study human psychology. “Expressing gratitude and cultivating it in ourselves has been linked to increased happiness, improved physical health, greater mental well-being, higher self-esteem, and life satisfaction.” (Gene P., Benefits of Gratitude, www.happierhuman.com)
What’s more, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The two blessings that many people waste are health and free time.” (Bukhari). Allah (SWT) reminds us many times that we tend to forget time’s value and that it is our nature to waste it, underscoring how important it is to make good use of it. Perhaps the greatest reminder is Surah Al-’Asr, which addresses time in title and context. “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran 103) From this we understand we will be the losers in this life unless we use time wisely and for good, as the surah suggests.
Take accountability – you will be asked about it
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health before you fall sick; your wealth before you become poor; your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life before your death.” (Musnad Imam Ahmad)
Other hadiths urge us to be mindful of how we spend our time and remind us of standing before Allah (SWT) on judgment day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A person will not move on (on the day of judgment) until he has been asked about four things: his life and in what he spent it; his knowledge and what he did with it; his wealth, from where he acquired it and on what he spent it, and his body and how he wore it out.” (Mu’ath bin Jabal)
As we can see, time is a heavy gift that carries an even heavier responsibility.
Practice urgency in doing good
Allah (SWT) says: “Every soul will taste death.” (Quran 3:185) There should be an urgency in how we plan and execute use of our time, and procrastination should be off the table for believers. Imagine you have a long list of important tasks set aside for a future date, only to be afflicted with something that prevents you from completing them. “Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist), or doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Tips for your time
Time is valuable and needs to be used wisely. As Muslims, we believe every action can become worship if done for betterment and with good intention. So, purify your intentions before you act, no matter how mundane the tasks. Be organized and create to-do lists to ensure your busy schedule doesn’t cause you to forget. Take accountability of yourself, so if a change is needed you have time to shift. There are hadith mentioning the early part of the day holds bounty in the daylight, in energy levels and so much more. Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah, bless my nation in their early morning.” (Tirmidhi)
What’s more, to perform optimally we must feel optimal, so eat well and guard your rest. Also, never forget the power of prayer, which calms our psyches and garners results. Always begin a task with dua, fill the duration of your task with it, and make even more dua of gratitude when you are done.
Time is a gift and a test, so treat it as such, with the goal of heaven as your intention.
