Dear Brothers and Sisters!

One of the greatest blessings Allah (swt) has given us, is time. Time is life itself. Time is the greatest capital and most valuable treasure of humankind. For everything exists, develops and eventually perishes within time. The gains, opportunities and possibilities that lead to peace in this world and the hereafter are attained through time. In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) begins some verses and chapters by swearing an oath by time. He draws attention to the reality and importance of time by swearing by the break of dawn, the early morning light, the morning, the forenoon, the time of daybreak, the unfolding of daylight and the night. The fact that fundamental acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, zakat and Hajj, are bound by specific times further emphasises the significance of this truth.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Making the most of every moment of time holds great importance for a believer. The Qur’an warns people, through the example of the Messenger of Allah, with the words: “So when you have finished [one task], then stand up [for another].”[1] The Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: “Value five things before five: your life before death, your health before illness, your free time before becoming busy, your youth before old age, and your wealth before poverty.”[2] With this, he emphasises that time is one of the most precious blessings in a person’s life. Let us not forget that while many things lost can be regained, wealth can be rebuilt, property reacquired, time wasted and a life spent without purpose can never be recovered. We must value the life our Allah (swt) has granted us and strive to make every moment beneficial for both this world and the hereafter.

We should approach every task with planning and order and avoid wasting our time or our lives. Those who cannot manage their time well are unable to perform their worship on time and properly, fail to meet their responsibilities on schedule, cannot keep their promises and end up feeling embarrassed in front of others. The great figures of Islam have set an example for us by using their time effectively. Many prophets, scholars and exemplary individuals managed to accomplish countless great deeds in their short but blessed lives, deeds that most could not achieve in a lifetime. They authored lasting works and made it a habit to start their day early.

Dear Jama’ah!

Those who do not waste time and are able to make proper use of it will attain peace both in this world and in the Hereafter. Our beloved Prophet (saw) drew attention to the value of time and health in the hadith I recited at the beginning of the khutba: “There are two blessings that many people are deceived about: health and free time.”[3] Time must be valued, not wasted and should be used and spent in a way that seeks the pleasure of Allah. Today is the 2nd of Muharram, 1447. Time flows like water, and with each passing day, the irreversible journey to the Hereafter draws closer. Another Hijri year has passed. The month of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred and significant times in Islamic history. It has witnessed many religious, social and historical events. The word Muharram means “that which is worthy of respect.” This month is filled with divine mercy, abundant virtue and spiritual blessings. Let us strive to benefit from it. I conclude my khutba with the meaning of Surah Al-‘Asr, which I recited at the beginning: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, encourage one another to the truth, and encourage one another to patience.”[4]

May Allah (swt) make us among those who value time and spend it on beneficial deeds. May our Jumah and Hijri New Year be blessed. Ameen.

[1] Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:7

[2] Buhârî, Rikâk, 3

[3] Buhârî, Rikâk, 1

[4] Surah Al-‘Asr, 103:1-3

Khutba – Knowing the Importance of Time