In our meetings, you must have noticed that many people often complain about not having enough time. Some people can’t give enough time to their family, while others struggle to find time for their studies. Similarly, some individuals want to express their talents and prove them but are unable to due to lack of time. Islam is a complete code of life, and therefore it emphasizes the importance of time and also describes ways to spend it. By adopting these teachings, we can balance both our religious and worldly life.
First of all, we should reflect on the reasons that lead to the waste of our time. One of the major reasons is our excessive use of social media. We engage in activities that neither benefit our career nor our faith. By freeing ourselves from such unnecessary tasks at the right time, we can lead a successful life.
حدثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ لِي ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ دِينَارٍ، أَنَّ ابْنَ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ:
“نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ: الصِّحَّةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ.”
: Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6412)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of valuing our health and free time, as they are blessings from Allah, which many people fail to fully appreciate or utilize properly.
Imam Shafi (RA) said that he greatly benefited from two pieces of advice from the elders:
- “Time is like a sharp sword—either you cut with it or it will cut you.” Meaning, if you engage in good deeds, you will make the best use of your time. However, if you let yourself drift and surrender to laziness, time will overtake you and be wasted.
- “Engage yourself in righteous actions, otherwise your soul will occupy you with sinful deeds.” If you don’t actively involve yourself in good, your nafs (inner self) will push you towards evil.
This entire discussion does not mean that your time should only be spent in personal worship. The point is that time should be spent where it is due. You cannot neglect your family, relatives, and friends, as Islam places great emphasis on maintaining good relationships with them. Additionally, you need time for rest, and Islam also encourages taking care of your health. As our Prophet (PBUH) advised:
“Indeed, your soul has a right upon you, and your eyes have a right upon you, and your wife has a right upon you.”
