Introduction
Time is one of the greatest blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has bestowed upon humanity. Importance of Time in the light of Islam. It is a silent witness to every deed we perform and every opportunity we either seize or waste. In the fast-paced world of today, time is often taken for granted. We chase after wealth, status, and worldly comfort, but forget that our most valuable possession is time—once gone, it never returns.
According to Shia Islamic teachings, the value of time is deeply connected to our faith, accountability, and journey toward Allah. The Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (عليهم السلام) repeatedly remind us that every moment is a test and a trust. To misuse or neglect time is to lose a part of ourselves.
1. The Qur’an’s Emphasis on Time
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) highlights the importance of time in several places in the Qur’an, even swearing by it to capture our attention.
وَالْعَصْرِ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ
“By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds.”
(Surah Al-‘Asr 103:1–3)
In this short yet powerful surah, Allah declares that time itself is a witness to human loss—unless it is used in faith and righteous action. The verse teaches that salvation lies not in having more time, but in using our time wisely.
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) explained this beautifully when he said:
“The believer’s day should be divided into three parts: a portion for worship, a portion for livelihood, and a portion for rest and lawful enjoyment.”
(Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 88)
This hadith emphasizes that managing time with balance and purpose is an act of worship. Every hour should bring us closer to Allah and serve a meaningful purpose.
2. Time as a Divine Trust (Amanah)
According to Shia belief, time is not our possession—it is an amanah (trust) from Allah. Each moment carries accountability. Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“The passing of time destroys everything, yet man rejoices in its loss.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 21)
This profound statement captures human negligence. We celebrate leisure and idleness, forgetting that each wasted moment is a lost opportunity for eternal reward.
The Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (عليهم السلام) taught that the true believer is aware of time. He does not let it slip away without purpose. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (عليه السلام) said:
“Strive to have your time divided among the following: the portion for prayer to your Lord, the portion for earning your livelihood, the portion for social interaction with your brethren in faith, and the portion for lawful enjoyment that gives you strength for the rest.”
(Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 409)
This shows that balance is the key to valuing time—spiritual, personal, and social responsibilities must all be managed wisely.
3. Time and Accountability on the Day of Judgment
One of the greatest reminders in Islam is that we will be questioned about our time. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله) said:
“No servant’s feet will move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it, his wealth and how he earned and spent it, and his love for us, the Ahl al-Bayt.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 7, p. 258)
This hadith links time directly to accountability. Every moment of our youth, every opportunity, and every breath is a trust for which we will answer before Allah.
In Shia thought, this awareness transforms time into a spiritual currency. How we spend it determines our eternal outcome—Paradise or loss.
4. Punctuality: A Reflection of Faith and Discipline
Islam does not only emphasize how we spend time but also how we honor it. Punctuality and commitment are part of akhlaq (good character). Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“When you promise, fulfill it. Do not delay your duty, for delay is the beginning of negligence.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 1847)
From a Shia perspective, lateness or wasting others’ time is more than a social flaw—it is disrespect toward the amanah of time that Allah has given. The Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) were known for their exactness in fulfilling promises, attending prayers at fixed times, and managing their affairs with discipline.
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله) said:
“The best among you are those who fulfill their promises and respect time.”
(Al-Amali by Shaykh al-Saduq, p. 124)
Hence, valuing time is a reflection of truthfulness, reliability, and integrity—core traits of a true believer.
5. Time and the Purpose of Life
Every second of our existence has meaning. Imam Ali (عليه السلام) reminds us:
“The value of every man is in what he does well.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 81)
If we spend our time in heedlessness, gossip, or laziness, we lower our own worth. But if we dedicate time to worship, knowledge, service, and self-improvement, we elevate our spiritual rank.
The Shia concept of jihad al-nafs (struggle against the self) teaches that managing time is part of this internal jihad. Each moment should serve as a step toward nearness to Allah.
Imam Zayn al-Abidin (عليه السلام) in Sahifa Sajjadiya, supplicates:
“O Allah, bless Muhammad and his household, and help me to use my time in that which brings me closer to You.”
(Sahifa Sajjadiya, Du’a 20)
This dua shows the believer’s awareness that without Allah’s help, even time can become a test rather than a blessing.
6. The Dangers of Wasting Time
Imam Ali (عليه السلام) warned:
“Beware of wasting time, for it leads to regret.”
(Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3182)
Wasting time is a spiritual disease. It leads to procrastination, forgetfulness, and missed opportunities for good deeds. Shaytan takes advantage of idle time, filling it with distraction and sin.
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) said:
“The one who wastes time in vain will find his heart hardened and his soul distant from Allah.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 333)
Every day that passes without purpose is a day we can never reclaim. Time, like a river, flows in one direction—toward the Hereafter.
7. Using Time for the Hereafter
The Ahl al-Bayt (عليهم السلام) encouraged believers to treat this world as a bridge, not a destination. Imam Ali (عليه السلام) said:
“This world is a passing place, not a resting place. So, take from it provisions for your journey.”
(Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 133)
Our time here should be spent preparing for eternity—through worship, charity, knowledge, and acts of service. When we use time for Allah’s sake, even our mundane actions gain spiritual value.
8. Practical Tips to Value Time (According to Shia Teachings)
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Start your day with Fajr and Dua – Begin with gratitude and intention (niyyah) to make every hour meaningful.
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Divide your time wisely – Follow Imam al-Sadiq’s teaching: worship, work, family, and rest.
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Avoid procrastination – Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Delay is the key to loss.”
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Plan with balance – Give due time to both dunya and deen.
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Keep the Akhirah in focus – Evaluate your day before sleeping; did you use it for Allah’s pleasure?
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Avoid distractions – Social media and idle talk steal valuable moments that could be used for learning or ibadah.
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Reflect daily – Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.) said: “He who does not account for himself daily is not from us.” (Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 453)
9. The Eternal Reward of Valuing Time
When a believer respects time, Allah places barakah (blessing) in his life. Tasks become easier, and success follows. Time used in remembrance of Allah multiplies in reward. Imam al-Ridha (عليه السلام) said:
“Every breath of a believer is a treasure; do not waste it except in obedience to Allah.”
(Uyoon Akhbar al-Ridha, vol. 2, p. 45)
Thus, valuing time is not merely about being productive—it’s about being spiritually alive. Each moment becomes an act of worship when it is spent with sincerity and purpose.
Conclusion
In the light of Shia teachings, time is a sacred trust, a test, and a treasure. The Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله), and the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (عليهم السلام) all teach that every second of life is a chance to earn nearness to Allah—or to drift away from Him.
Let us not fall into the “culture of heedlessness” where days slip by without meaning. Instead, let us revive the spirit of punctuality, balance, and purpose that Islam calls for. When we respect time, we respect life itself—because every heartbeat brings us closer to meeting our Creator.
“Time is a part of your life; respect it, for in neglecting it, you lose a part of yourself.”
(Attributed to Imam Ali (عليه السلام), Nahj al-Balagha)
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