Time, and especially free time, is one of our biggest gifts that Allah has given us in this dunya. Yet so often we get caught up in the rhythm of our days and don't realize that so much of our free moments are being wasted, that our time is just slipping through our fingers.
The Prophet ﷺ reminded us many times how important it is to use our time wisely, and today I wanted to share a compilation of narrations about time and small but impactful actions that you can take to start spending your time with more intention and purpose.
1. “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6412
Free time is not just emptiness — it’s an invitation to remember Allah and use it for something beneficial.
Try this: Next time you have a couple minutes of free time and you find yourself reaching for something to "pass the time," set your intention to do something pleasing to Allah. This could be dhikr or dua, or depending on how much free time you have could be doing something to take care of yourself, giving in charity, praying nafl prayers, etc.
See our article on Quick Spiritual Self Care for more ideas.
2. “Take advantage of five before five: youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before busyness, and life before death.” Shuʿab al-Imān 10250
Free time is a trust, when wasted we are breaking that trust instead of cherishing the gift.
Try this: Identify areas where you are wasting time. What is the trigger? Does standing in line lead to scrolling on your phone, or maybe having a short break from the kids leads to a quick episode on Netflix?
Find a way to interrupt the time wasting behavior - add an app blocker for social media on your phone, put the remote far away from the couch, etc. Once you have that pause, decide with intention on what to fill that time with.
3. “Man's feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about his life, how did he consume it, his knowledge, what did he do with it, his wealth, how did he earn it and how did he dispose of it, and about his body, how did he wear it out.” Riyad as-Salihin 407
We will be asked directly about how we spent our time. Make those choices with intention and purpose.
Try this: Give yourself a set menu of things to do with your free moments, ranging from quick activities to longer stretches of time. This way, you don't have to feel overwhelmed when you do have some free time; instead you have already done the hard work of deciding on the best ways to spend it.
4. “Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night.” Sahih Muslim 118
Don’t delay — a small act now is worth more than big plans for “someday."
Try this: Think of some things you are saving for "someday." Is it waiting to wear hijab until you feel like a better Muslim? Or thinking you can't start saving for Hajj or Umrah until you have xyz amount of monthly income?
Brainstorm one small step you could take towards those goals today, and then take that step immediately. Small, consistent actions will build momentum and move you steadily towards your big goals!
5. “O Allah, bless my Ummah in their early mornings.” Sunan Abi Dawud 2606
The morning is a time of barakah — start it with salah, dua, dhikr, and journaling.
Try this: After fajr prayer, open your Dua Journal and fill out however much you have time for. One whole page or even just a couple of prompts. Make it a habit to start your day with reflection, dua and gratitude, and see how the barakah flows!
Which of these reminders will you be carrying with you through the rest of this week?