Time management is more than just a skill; it’s an art that can greatly influence our success and fulfillment in life.
Once, there was a kingdom with a peculiar rule: every king would serve for only five years, after which they were sent to a jungle filled with dangerous animals and devoid of any means to survive. Naturally, this led to many kings meeting their demise in the wilderness, making it an undesirable position. As time passed, no one wanted to assume the throne.
To resolve this, the people decided that the first person to enter through the kingdom’s doors would become their next king. As fate would have it, a man entered, and despite his reluctance, he was convinced to accept the kingship.
On his first day, he visited the jungle to see the fate of his predecessors. Instead of despairing, he devised a plan to transform the jungle into a livable space. Over the next five years, he systematically cut trees to create pathways, relocated dangerous animals, dug wells, started farming, and built small houses. By the end of his tenure, the once-hostile jungle had become a thriving city, allowing him to defy the odds and survive.
This story teaches us the importance of time management. The king used his five years strategically, transforming a daunting challenge into a flourishing opportunity.
Time is a significant bounty from Allah Almighty, equally bestowed upon all—rich or poor, king or commoner, everyone receives 24 hours a day. This shared allocation serves as a reminder of the need to use our time wisely. As Allah states in the Quran:
لَا الشَّمۡسُ یَنۡۢبَغِیۡ لَہَاۤ اَنۡ تُدۡرِکَ الۡقَمَرَ وَ لَا الَّیۡلُ سَابِقُ النَّہَارِ ؕ وَ کُلٌّ فِیۡ فَلَکٍ یَّسۡبَحُوۡنَ (۴۰)
“It is not befitting for the sun to overtake the moon [during the night], nor does the night surpass the day and each one of them is floating in orbit.” [Translation Kanzul Iman: Surah Yaseen, Verse 40]
The universe operates on a precise schedule, emphasizing the significance of time management in our daily lives.
Time can be expressed in various ways: hours, days, mornings, and evenings. In the Quran, Allah reminds us of the beauty of time through His signs:
وَ مِنْ اٰیٰتِهِ الَّیْلُ وَ النَّهَارُ وَ الشَّمْسُ وَ الْقَمَرُؕ
"And amongst His signs are the night, and the day, and the sun, and the moon." [Kanzul Iman : Surah Haa-Meem As-Sajda, Verse 37]
Much like a fertile land where one reaps what they sow, the actions we take within our given time yield results, whether immediate or delayed.
As the famous saying goes, “Time is money.” Understanding this concept can help us value our time, particularly as we strive to engage in virtuous deeds.
Many of us possess the knowledge of how to use our time effectively, yet we often fall into the trap of procrastination. The Prophet ﷺ said:
نِعْمَتَانِ مَبْغُوْنٌ فِیْھِمَا کَثِیْرٌ مِّنَ النَّاسِ اَلصِّحَةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ
"There are two bounties regarding which many people are misled: health and free time."
These two blessings often go unrecognized, leading us to waste valuable moments that could be spent on good deeds.
Time management is crucial not just for professional success but also for spiritual growth. Every moment wasted is a moment we can’t reclaim, and effective time management is a skill we must cultivate. The teachings of the Prophet and the experiences of wise leaders serve as invaluable lessons in utilizing our time for a better life and a rewarding Hereafter.
Allah’s Name to commence with, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. ,” is a declaration of faith, an invocation of Allah’s presence in whatever you’re about to undertake.
