Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Allah (swt) has created us as beings with the opportunity to be the most honourable among His creations. When a person strives to truly be a devoted servant to Allah, they attain a level higher than even the angels. The Qur’an states: “He has made you successors upon the Earth. Whoever disbelieves – 1 upon him is [the consequence of] his disbelief.”Allah (swt) who has entrusted us with the entire universe, however, limited our worldly life to a specific time, defined by the lifespan He has granted us. Therefore, it is essential for us to be aware that this life, filled with responsibilities, is not eternal and we must understand that the day of death will eventually come knocking at our door.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Allah (swt) begins many chapters in the Holy Quran by swearing upon certain matters and attributing significance to them. One of these is the Surah Al-Asr, which starts with an oath by 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.” 2 According to most scholars, the word “asr” signifies “time” in its absolute sense, and by beginning the chapter with an oath upon time, attention is drawn to its place and importance in human life. One of the great Quranic commentators, Fahreddin al-Râzî, remarks in his interpretation of Surah Al-Asr: “There was a person selling ice in the market, shouting: ‘Have mercy on this person whose wealth is melting!’ When I heard this, I said, ‘This statement reflects the meaning of Surah Al-Asr.’ The life given to humans is rapidly melting away like ice. If a person wastes or spends it in the wrong places, it leads to their ruin.”

Swearing by the passing of time indicates a warning that a life empty of the four mentioned positive qualities will be wasted. Those who emerge successful are only those who possess these four characteristics and organise their time accordingly.

Dear Jama’ah! Let us not forget that the life bestowed upon us by Allah (swt) is temporary and our time is limited. Let us recognise the value of our time and refrain from wasting it on matters that do not benefit our worldly or spiritual lives. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated: “There are two blessings in which many people incur loss: health and free time.”3 A conscious believer, who understands the value of life as the greatest wealth, does not waste it on useless things. In fact, they give importance to staying productive and occupied. In this regard, Allah (swt) says: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.”4 This emphasises the importance of utilising one’s time wisely and engaging in actions that bring benefit to both this world and the hereafter.

Dear Brothers and Sisters! Indeed, recognising the value of time is crucial. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Value five things before five things: your youth before old age, your health before sickness, your wealth before poverty, your free time before being preoccupied, and your life before your death.”5 We should use the limited breaths that Allah has granted us for actions that are pleasing to Him and for His cause.

May Allah (swt) grant us the ability to spend our time engaged in deeds that align with His pleasure. Ameen!

1 Surah Fatir, 35:39

2 Surah Al-Asr, 103:1-3

3 Buhârî, Rikâk, 1

4 Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5-8

5 Hakim, el-Müstedrek, IV, 341

 

Khutba – Knowing the Value of Time