Managing your time

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Allah says in Surah Yaseen;

“If We grant long life to any, We cause him to be reversed in nature: will they not then understand?” (36:68)

From time to time we see young, powerful people diminish in strength as they get older. And Allah is asking in the ayat above if we pay no heed to this. This ayat teaches us that it is imperative that we manage our strength and youth properly because one day it is quite possible that we can revert back to earlier stage of our life, when we were weaker and needed assistance in completing the simplest of task.

Allah makes mention of this in many other places in the Qur’an. For example in Surah Hajj Allah says ‘then do we bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much), and (further)’

We need to understand the importance of managing our time properly. A lot of the inhabitants of hell will be those who didn’t manage their youth and strength. A day will come where there will be much regret. You can have all the time and wealth in your life and still you may not be able to use it to your benefit because of ill health, because of weakness in health etc.

Always remember that one day we will have to leave this world and return to our Lord. What we have to keep in mind and be conscious about if what exactly are we doing in order to earn the Garden. Don’t let the distractions of this world divert you and take you off-course. Allah gives us a beautiful parable of how we should live our lives in this world in Surah Ibrahim;

‘Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - a goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition’. (14:24)

Are you a “goodly tree” that is bringing benefit to yourself and others? Or are you going about your life like animal? Only thinking of yourself and causing distress to others. One action that can help us become a goodly tree and will bring about great benefit in both worlds is the servitude of humanity. Helping others sincerely and only for the pleasure of Allah .

And Allah has given a great consolation for the believers. For example Allah says in Surah Nahl;

‘What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions. Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure and we will bestow on their reward according to the best of their actions’. (16:96-97)

He will elevate all the good deeds of a believer to the level of the highest / best deed performed. Meaning that if you receive immense reward for one particular deed, all your other good deeds will be upgraded to that level. And as mentioned in the ayat this blessing is applicable to both the believing men and women. How generous is our Lord.

Benefit from this beautiful life because one day you will have to go. Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said ‘health is wealth’ so we should all manage it and use it wisely. In another narration it is said that on the Day of Judgement a man will be willing to sell an entire field just to get a ride on a camel to the point of assembly. Get distracted you will regret it. Stick to your focus, which is the straight path, because it will eventually bring you to the blessed ones.

Make your vein, your mind and your blood say Allahu. Forget the doubters and you’ll have no regrets. The time to get serious is now; don’t wait when your health diminishes. Live your life only for the pleasure of Allah and you’ll have no regrets. Sometimes you will be frustrated, sometimes you may feel down and out but always remember that Allah loves you and if you have faith and trust in Him, He will take care of you and on that day the meeting with Him will be a most blessed one. We are not getting any younger so manage your time wisely because there will come a time when you may want to act but it may be too late. May Allah give us the understanding of managing our time, our health and our wealth properly and in a manner pleasing to Him, insha Allah.