BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem.
We all feel bad "wasting" time. We realize time spent on trivial things makes us lazy and unproductive. However, many of us fail to visualize the long-term consequences of killing time on futile matters, both in this world and the world that awaits us.
The following words of wisdom will help us appreciate how the most productive and influential leaders and scholars of Islam valued time.
1. Time can't return: Whatever time passes by will not return and cannot be replaced. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi used to say, "The breaths of man are his steps to death!". Moreover, Imam Ash-Shafiee would say, "Time is like a Sword. Cut it (wisely), before it cuts you!" Therefore, kill your time productively, before it kills you!
2. Boxes are sealed: A teacher used the following analogy of boxes: Each hour is like a box that is sealed and placed in a shelf. On the Day of Judgement, these boxes (24 boxes/per day) will be opened and their contents will be displayed to us.
If we filled each hour of our day in life with good deeds, we will rejoice. If we filled these hours with useless amusements and sins, we will regret to see the contents of the boxes on that Day. How we fill them these 24 boxes every day is our choice. Only we have control over it. Once they are sealed as the day ends, only Allah has the keys to unlock them on the Day of Judgment.
3. The most priceless possession of man: life itself: An Imam used to remind his students, "Time is not just money. It is more expensive than gold, diamonds and pearls. Time is life itself!"
Hassan al Basri: "O son of Adam! You are but a bundle of days. As each day passes away, a portion of you vanishes away." Can we afford to lose a portion of our body or soul everyday to hellfire through wastage of time on useless and un-Islamic things?
4. Accountability of youth and life: We will be asked about our youth and life on the Day of Judgment, both of which are related to time.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, warned us, "Man shall not be let go or discharged on the Day of Judgement until he has been questioned about FOUR things:
1. With regard to his Life: how did he spend it?
2. With regard to his Youth: in what ways did he expend it?
3. With regard to his Wealth: where did he earn it from and what did he spend it on?
4. With regard to his Knowledge: what use did he put it to?"(Al-Bazzar and At-Tabarani). These are only a few just not to prolong the reminder. Let's be wife as the grave is waiting for each of us. It could be you or me tomorrow.
May ALLAH keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. AMIN
