Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Time is one of the most precious blessings Allah has given us. However, we can neither store it nor retrieve it once it’s gone. Every passing moment, every passing day and year, is a piece deducted from our lifespan. Allah (swt) has granted us this precious blessing so that we may worship Him and remain upright as commanded. Indeed, we were sent to earth to adhere to Allah’s boundaries and perform righteous deeds. As stated in the Qur’an: “He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”[1] This reminds us that life and death are a test for us. Wasting the blessing of time, which has been given to us as a gift, means wasting the capital of life and this forms exceeding one’s limits. Exceeding limits not only relates to our actions but also to failing to adhere to the measures set by Allah (swt) in the management of time. The Prophet (saw) emphasised the importance of time and health, saying: “There are two blessings about which many people are deceived: health and free time.”[2]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Making the best use of time is directly related to not exceeding one’s limits. The life that Allah has granted us is not something we can recklessly trample upon. It is our duty as servants of Allah to reflect on what we did right and where we went wrong in the past and to organise the future in a planned manner that aligns with Allah’s pleasure.

Especially as we enter a new Gregorian year, we should remember that another year has ended and that one more year has been subtracted from our lifespan. This awareness should lead us to evaluate the past and plan the future in a way that seeks Allah’s approval.

Dear Jama’ah!

Knowing one’s limits means understanding oneself and being aware of one’s responsibilities towards Alah (swt) and their surroundings. According to a narration from Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (saw) said: “Those who go to extremes in their words and actions have perished.” [3] The Messenger of Allah repeated this statement three times, clearly emphasising the destructive effects of exceeding limits, both on an individual and societal level. Therefore, managing time correctly is essential for our happiness in both this world and the Hereafter. Allah (swt) has endowed each of us with unique abilities and responsibilities. Therefore, we must understand ourselves and organise our lives in a way that makes the best use of this trust. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: “Indeed, We created everything in proportion.” [4] This verse highlights that everything in the universe moves in balance. Acting in harmony with this balance requires us to use time in alignment with our purpose of creation. Wasting time and using it in ways that do not please Allah is undoubtedly exceeding limits. This principle applies not only to time and life but also to earning and spending. Avoiding excess in both is a fundamental condition for living a life that aligns with Allah’s pleasure. Just as earning lawful income is important, so too is avoiding wasteful spending and sharing with those in need, as these are important parts of our servitude. Life and time are trusts from Allah using every moment and every gain without exceeding limits is the key to attaining happiness in both worlds. Maintaining balance in all areas of life, whether working or spending, requires us to avoid crossing boundaries.

May Allah (swt) grant us the ability to be among those who neither exceed limits in their earnings nor in their spending, who avoid wastefulness and who spend their lives in ways that please Him. Ameen.

[1] Surah Mulk, 67:2

[2] Buhârî, Rikak, 1

[3] Ebû Dâvûd, Sünnet, 5

[4] Surah Al-Qamar, 54:49

Khutba: Knowing One’s Limits and Managing Time Properly