Importance of Time in Islam

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Make the most of five things before five others: life before death, health before sickness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty.” 

But most people are unaware of the importance of this blessing and are neglectful of their duties towards it, namely to fill it with acts of gratitude and obedience towards Allaah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.”  al-Bukhaari.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) likened the Muslim (who is accountable for his deeds) to a merchant who has capital and seeks to make a profit whilst also preserving his capital. The way to do that is to look for the right people to deal with and he himself will be honest and will try to be smart lest he be cheated.

Good health and free time are our capital, and we should deal with Allaah with faith, striving against the evil inclinations of our nafs and the enemy of religion i.e., the Shaytaan, so that we may attain the best in this world and in the Hereafter. This is similar to what is mentioned in the passage where Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?” [al-Saff 61:10] 

Both the Quran and the Sunnah emphasise the importance of time in the life of a Muslim. Allah swears at the beginning of many Soorahs (Chapters) by time or moments in time, for example, Allah Says (what means): “By the dawn and the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Thul-Hijjah)…” [Quran 89: 1-2]

Allah also Says (what means): “By the night when it covers, and by the day when it appears…” [Quran 92:1]

Another verse reads (what means): “By the morning brightness and by the night when it covers with darkness…” [Quran 93:1]

Also, Allah Says (what means): “By the time…” [Quran 103:1]

When Allah swears by something of His creation, it is evidence of its importance, and this directs our attention to the benefit of that thing. 

We should organise our time wisely. We must consider the free time that we have so that we could try our best to do good deeds. Beware of wasting or misusing time.

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