The Value of Time

It is imperative for a person to know the value of his/her time, for ‘time is life’. In any system there is no room for motto like "killing time", for time is really valuable. In fact, wasting time is much more dangerous than frittering away property, because unlike property, time cannot be compensated.

In traditional sayings: “There are two of God’s favors that are forgotten by many people: health and free time.” Free time is a blessing that is overlooked, and not wholly appreciated by many people now-a-days.

Any person should not waste his/her time in activities that does not bring her/him closer to Knowledge, in pursuits that will not serve as a contribution for the betterment of his/her people, his/her society and mankind in general.

There is also a rich record of many traditional sayings that acknowledge the value of time and confirm the responsibility of man on how he maintains it; he will be brought to account by God on the Day of Judgment:
“A creation of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about four things:

• his life and how he spent it,
• his youth and how he used it up,
• his property and how he acquired and managed it and
• his knowledge and how he utilized it.”

In any belief-system things should be regarded according to their level of significance. Hence we have several categories to view on this merit– Personal religious practice, Philosophical discussions, Spiritual and Material education, Career, Family, Friends, Health, Leisure pursuits, etcetera,.
There are various means to manage 'time', the easiest way is to divide the time in three main portions.

1. Time for Self
2. Time for Family
3. Time for Others

In a way to manage 'Time' best, I like to combine these categories to simplify slightly. Below is a sample daily rota:
1. Worship: associates the relationship with God, no one else could take away these time-periods from me,

• 5 Daily Prayers ( 5:00, 13:00, 17:00, 19:00, 20:00 ) approximate timings.
• Reading & Reciting Quran
• Islamic Education
  o Institutes of Islamic Sciences
  o Internet as knowledge source

2. Finances: speaks about the activities that either bring money in the household, or vice versa

• Paying Bills
• Managing Zakat
• Work related tasks

3. Health : speaks about activities that speak about both Physical and Mental Health

• Working out
• Personal Hygiene
• Medical and Dental checks
• Personal upkeep
• Family and Friends (Networking and family get togethers keeps one happy)

4. Teaching : speaks about activities that involves learning and spreading knowledge, and discussing on difference of opinions

• Internet forums, Mails, Social-Networks
• Friends and Family circle

5. Systems Maintenance: This is the essence of life that keeps all the machinery in order moving towards a targeted aim

• Daily Planning
• Weekly Planning
• Laundry / Chores
• Groceries

Some sub-items fall under multiple categories. The point to concentrate on here is to Simplify. And to bear in mind that time has certain characteristics such as:

1. Time passes quickly.
2. Time that passes can never return, nor can it be compensated for, for time is irretrievable.
3. Time is the most precious thing that man possesses.

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri says: At the beginning of every day a herald calls: ‘O son of Adam! I am a new creation and a witness of your deeds. So take a provision from me because when I pass, for I never come back till the Day of Judgement.’

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