"Time is Your Real Wealth"
“Time is the Real Wealth of Life”
Title
The Value of Time in Human Life and Its Role in Achieving Success and Salvation
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Introduction
Life is the most precious asset a person owns. It is his true capital and the vessel in which his deeds are poured. If he invests it in acts of obedience, it will be a triumph in this world and the Hereafter. But if he wastes it in negligence and idle pursuits, it will be nothing but regret.
Allah Almighty says:
"Did you think that We created you in vain and that to Us you would not be returned?" (Al-Mu’minun: 115).
Thus, man was not created aimlessly, but for a great purpose: to worship Allah and to contribute to building the earth in a way that pleases Him.
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Time in the Qur’an
Allah swore by time in many places in the Qur’an, as in:
"By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds." (Al-‘Asr: 1–3).
This shows the greatness of time and that wasting it is a clear loss.
Allah also says: "Did We not give you lives long enough so that whoever would remember therein could remember, and the warner had come to you?" (Fatir: 37).
This verse means Allah has granted humans sufficient lifespan to repent and act, leaving no excuse for negligence.
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Prophet’s ﷺ Advice on Seizing Time
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Take advantage of five before five: your life before your death, your health before your sickness, your free time before your busyness, your youth before your old age, and your wealth before your poverty.” (Al-Hakim, authenticated by Al-Albani).
He also said: “There are two blessings in which many people are deceived: health and free time.” (Bukhari).
These teachings highlight that time is a treasure that must be seized before it is too late.
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Example from the Prophet’s ﷺ Life
The Prophet ﷺ used to make use of every moment in the worship of Allah. Even at night, he stood in prayer until his feet swelled. When asked why he did so despite his sins being forgiven, he replied: “Shall I not be a grateful servant?” (Bukhari).
This example teaches us how to transform every moment into an opportunity for closeness to Allah.
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Scholars on the Value of Time
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: “O son of Adam, you are nothing but a collection of days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you is gone.”
Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “Wasting time is worse than death, for wasting time cuts you off from Allah and the Hereafter, while death only cuts you off from this world and its people.”
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A Contemporary Message
In today’s digital age, life is often consumed by screens and distractions. Yet, technology can be a tool for growth if used wisely.
A Muslim should adopt a practical schedule that balances worldly duties and spiritual growth, ensuring no moment goes to waste. For on the Day of Judgment, the Prophet ﷺ said: “The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about his life and how he spent it...” (Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani).
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Poetic Glimpse
Imam Al-Shafi’i said:
"Life is but moments and seconds,
If wasted, they will never return."
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Conclusion
Dear reader, life is short no matter how long it seems, and it passes quickly. The question is: How do you invest your time in preparation for the Hereafter?
Reflect on the verse:
"And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord." (Aal ‘Imran: 133).
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