“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.” [1] Allah is making an oath with the time in one of the short surahs in the Quran to show the importance of the subject of the ‘time.’ Imam As-Shafie said if a man ponders on this surah, it is sufficient for him. This is because of its importance and blessings. Allah says that all the people are at a significant loss except those who fill their time with Iman, righteous deeds, advising others to truths, and advising others to patience. In this short article, we will discuss few of the important points about it and living a long life, inshaaAllah.

Time is a Great Blessing

The ‘time’ is one of the greatest blessings of Allah that should not be taken lightly. Many instances show that humans are significantly lost when time is not utilized correctly. Most successful people and countries have been practicing good time management to help them prosper and progress. Like Germans, the Japanese are always on time and manage time wisely, with punctuality a priority. They perceive time as money that should be well-spent and adequately addressed. A statistic in 2021 [2] shows that 82% of people worldwide do not have a dedicated time management system, an issue that needs improvement.

Time improves our Focus, Planning & Confidence level

Improving time management significantly impacts our focus, planning, and confidence level. Most people need to be made aware of the importance of this blessing. We need to be more mindful of our duty toward it. That same goes for our life, specifically as Muslims. The more time we utilize wisely in a good course, the better deeds can be done. Most notably to gain the rewards of Allah.

A research has been done by the Faculty of Applied Medical Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, in 2021. It showed that students with a positive attitude who claimed to manage time and meet deadlines had high academic grades. (Adham Alyami, Abdulrahman Abdulwahed, Abdulrahman Azhar, Abdullah Bin Saddik, Saeed M. Bafaraj, 2021) [3] It shows that time is essential and a person can succeed in their activities with good time management. Therefore, as Muslims, we should manage time properly to succeed in this life and the hereafter.

Time helps us to be among the best

Besides the above-given evidence about the importance of time, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah 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.” [4]. It is understood that free time is a valuable and vital part of our life. We should make the most out of it by doing good.

Through time also, it can help us to be among the best of the people. It is not only towards our Creator, but also towards our family members, parents, neighbors, friends, the people in the society, and the online community. Once a man said to the Prophet: “O Messenger of Allah, which of the people is best?” He said: “The one who lives long and does good.” He said: “Which of the people is worst?” He said: “The one who lives long and does evil.”[5] Among the evil things people do, especially during their free time, is gossiping or  watching haram videos, which we should strictly avoid.

Time helps us to get more reward from Allah

When a person lives long and does good deeds, he will get more rewards from Allah than those with a shorter life span. There are many examples of good deeds can be done. They are like giving to charities, creating a good connection with the Quran, educating others, and many others. They sholud be done depending on our own abilities. Many of our predecessors would strive to ensure that they do as many good deeds as possible during their lifetime. They would weep in sorrow when they were on their deathbed for the cessation of their righteous or good deeds in this life.

Time & Mental Health

One of the good reminders for all of us is that we should not wish for death before it comes. It is because it cuts us off from doing good deeds. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No one of you should wish for death or pray for it before it comes. For when one of you dies, his good deeds come to an end and for the believer, a long life will not increase him in anything but good.”[6] Doing good deeds is good for our hereafter and helps us maintain good mental and emotional health.

In conclusion, ‘time’ is one of the critical aspects of our life that should be prioritized. As Muslims, we should excellently utilize it to make sure that we do as many good deeds as possible.  It helps to make us among the best, not only in this world but also to prepare us for the hereafter.

Bibliography:
[1] Surah al ‘Asr 103:1-3
[2] Time Management Statistics & Facts (New 2022 Research), 26th October 2022
[3] https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=107573
[4] Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 1077
[5] Narrated by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi, 2330; classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
[6] Narrated by Muslim, 2682

References:
1. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/46592/wishing-for-death-in-islam-permissible
2. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=107573
3. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/47398/how-should-a-person-fill-his-spare
4. Time Management Statistics & Facts (New 2022 Research), 26th October 2022
5. Tafsir ibn Kathir Surah Al-Asr.