Time=Past+Present+Future=Loss/Gain

Time=Past+Present+Future=Loss/Gain

By Rubina Siddiqi

The title of the article is like a mathematical equation but that 1 line conveys the whole message. The Essence of life is time.  We can define time in many ways but what counts is how we use time, and that will be a defining factor in the outcome of our life. We often use the term  “Time flies” in our conversations, but do we really ever sit down and reflect on the true meaning of this phrase? Do we give thought to what we have gained or lost in time gone by?  

As a Muslim it is our duty to fully utilize every moment given to us on this earth in the most useful and effective manner. 

Narrated by Ibn Abbas, The Prophet (saws) said, "There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.421

Often when we are struck with calamity or there is loss of life we realize the essence of time lost and rush to do good for our betterment. But again, after some time we slow down and forget . To analyze how we are losing out on the blessing of time, we ought to sit back and think about how we spend a single day in our life. Have we contributed in some way for the benefit of our soul and the akhira on this day or has the time just passed by. Futile waste of time often leads to an emptiness in our souls and makes us restless. A negative emotion that stems from the realization that nothing or not enough has been achieved.  Proper choice of what activities we indulge in, how we plan our days,and effective time management are necessary for -- success in both this world and the hereafter.

We as muslims should never forget our true purpose on this earth. Our life here is not limited to this world where it will begin and end. We will be resurrected and asked on the day of judgment of how we spent our time on this earth.

Narrated by Abu Barzah Nadlah ibn Ubayd al-Aslami (may Allah be pleased with him) The Prophet (may peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

A servant of Allah will remain standing on the Day of Judgment till he is questioned about his age and how he spent it; and about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body as to how he used it. (Tirmidhi)

Remembering our Lord and worshipping him is an important part of life on this earth. SubhanAllah  just the thought  that on the day of judgement how heavily time will weigh should make us spend it more wisely. There are reminders in the Quran and sunnah to be conscious about time.

It is the duty of Muslims to foremost -

*Learn and implement the Quran in their daily lives. If you read the Quran everyday then start reading it’s translation, If you already do that, try going a step further, try to memorize one ayah at a time and try to use and follow and spread the word of Allah.

*Rush to do good deeds. Try to go out of your way to help others in need in any halal way you can. Try to volunteer your spare time for the masjid or any muslim or other organizations which help the needy. If you look around you will see examples from your own community of people who beautifully manage their time by giving their best to work as well as their deen. Learn from the living examples, if they can do it, so can you Inshallah!

*Fulfill your commitments on time. As a Muslim it is your duty not to waste time while at work as well as when at home or on week-ends . So set an example for others to follow.

*Properly manage time in the present and learn from your mistakes of yesterday. Do Dhikr whenever and wherever you are, in the car, cooking, cleaning. If yesterday you could not give time to your deen because of whatever reason don’t let that reason stop you today .

Allah (swt) has blessed us with this life. Let us thank Him and worship Him and glorify Him whenever we can so that this benefits us and our children who -see - an example in the way we live.

“By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.” Qur'an (103:1-3)

Posted in: Islam,Lifestyle