About two years ago, I put a poll up on my Instagram story asking my followers if they were satisfied with their growth. 90% chose ‘there’s more to do’ and surprisingly, up to 10% chose ‘yes’. The truth is that there will always be more to do until the death rattle reaches our throats.
But more than acknowledging that ‘there’s more to do’ is how much will and effort we put into achieving ‘more’;
Are our present daily habits leading us to this ‘more’?
How consistent are we?
How sincere are we?
How do we use our time?
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Make the most of five things before five others: life before death, health before sickness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty.”
Sahīh al-Jāmi’, no. 1077.
Death, sickness, business, old age and poverty all incontrovertibly come with time. So at this point in time, how are we using the great five (or some of them) that we have been blessed with?
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said regarding this incredibly important commodity:
“There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.”
Narrated by al-Bukhārī, 6412.
Again, more than recognizing the importance of time is what we make of it. A lot of us have probably seen this picture before:
Memorizing one verse a day Vs nothing at all.
Spending five minutes learning a new skill Vs nothing at all.
Making little efforts to cut a bad habit Vs nothing at all.
Spending ten minutes coming up with a plan, doing research, changing our mindsets, working towards our goals, doing anything productive Vs nothing at all.
“If it’s meant to be it will be” is not a smart mindset to have towards goals that we have not at least attempted to achieve (through permissible measures). The believer has tawakkul (trust in Allāh), but the believer also takes precaution. Anas ibn Mālik said:
“A man asked the prophet (ﷺ): ‘O Messenger of Allāh, should I tie up (my camel) and rely on Allāh, or should I leave it loose and rely on Him?’ He said: ‘Tie it up and rely (on Allāh).’”
Narrated by at-Tirmidhī, 2517.
Work for ‘more’, pray for ‘more’ and have trust in Allāh.
Barakallahu feekii sister , it made me realize so many things🙏
Subhanallah,i think this is so beautiful. You should publish it again after a year or so to remind us again. Thank you with all the love i have in writing this comment.