The Value of Time: Reflection on Life’s Most Precious Resource

By Shaykh Anisul Haque
6 December 2024

﷽

During this week’s Khutbah, I shared some reflections on ‘Asr (time), reflections that had emerged from a conversation with one of my senior colleagues at the masjid. We had been discussing how swiftly the year had passed – Subhan Allah. From planning last year’s winter convention to already preparing for Ramadan 2025, the pace of the passage of time struck us both.

Our observation of the acceleration of time brought to mind a powerful hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik, where the Prophet ﷺ said: 

The Hour will not be established until time passes rapidly, such that a year is like a month, a month is like a week, a week is like a day, a day is like an hour, and an hour is like the flicker of a flame.

The truth of these words echoes deeply in our daily lives, where each day seems to slip away faster than the last. But why does this matter so much from an Islamic perspective? The answer lies in understanding that time is perhaps our most precious resource – more valuable than wealth, status, or material possessions.

I’m reminded of a insightful statement by Ibn Al-Qayyim, who said:

Time wasting is more serious than death because time wasting cuts you off from Allah and the home of the afterlife, whereas death cuts you off from the worldly life and its people.

These words shake me to my core every time I reflect upon them. How often do we waste hours scrolling through social media or engaging in pointless activities while our prayers are delayed and our religious obligations are neglected?

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasises the importance of time through various oaths. Allah swears by different times of day – the dawn, the morning, the night – highlighting their significance. Most notably, an entire surah is dedicated to the concept of time:

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.

[Surah Al-‘Asr, 103:1–3]

This surah was so impactful that the companions of the Prophet ﷺ would not part company without reciting it to one another. Imam Al-Shafi‘i famously said about this surah: “If the people reflected on this surah, that would have been sufficient for them.”

The reality of the precious nature of time often hits us the hardest when we lose it. I recently learned of a young hafidh, only 22 years old, who suddenly passed away after a cardiac arrest during a simple walk in the park. It served as a stark reminder that time doesn’t discriminate based on age or status – when our appointed time comes, there’s no negotiating for “just a few more minutes” or “one more task to complete”.

The Prophet ﷺ highlighted two blessings that many people take for granted: “There are two blessings in which many people incur loss: health and free time.” How true these words are! We often only realise the value of these blessings after they’re gone.

The Qur’an shows us how to make the most of our time. When Allah mentions in Surah Al-‘Asr that mankind is at a loss, He immediately follows it with the exception of those who believe, do good deeds, enjoin truth, and enjoin patience. These elements form a comprehensive approach for using our time effectively through faith, action, encouraging others, and maintaining patience in all circumstances.

The Prophet ﷺ put the fleeting nature of this world into perspective when he said:

This world in comparison with the Hereafter is (similar to the amount of) water one gets when he puts his finger in the sea. Let him then see what it returns with.

As I conclude this reflection, I’m reminded of the verses where people beg for more time after death. Allah mentions in the Qur’an [23:99–100]:

When death approaches any of them, they cry, ‘My Lord! Let me go back, so I may do good in what I left behind.’

This serves as a powerful reminder that we must value and utilise our time before it’s too late.

The challenge for each of us is to live mindfully, making every moment count towards our ultimate purpose. In worship, seeking knowledge, helping others, or bringing joy to those around us, we must strive to use our time in ways that bring us closer to Allah and benefit humanity.

Time continues its relentless march forward. The question remains: are we merely watching it pass, or are we making each moment count in our journey to Allah?

May Allah make us of those who are mindful of time and grant us the ability to use it wisely. 

Ameen.

Help us complete our Phase 3 expansion for the new prayer halls!

Please select a donation amount (required)

£1,000 Commemorated in an Outer Tile – donate £1,000 in one payment (or select ‘Regular’ to pay in instalments).

£365 Towards the new Mihrab and Mimbar

£300 Towards a Musalla (prayer space)

Other

Set up a regular payment Donate