We’ve all heard the saying, “Time waits for no one.” Yet, despite knowing how fleeting our time on this Earth is, we often fall into the trap of thinking we have all the time in the world. But Allah, in His infinite wisdom, encourages the remembrance of death to remind us that this life is temporary, and our moments here are limited. Reflecting on death inspires purposeful living, as it reminds us that each moment brings us closer to our meeting with Him.
Remembrance of death isn’t meant to create fear but to inspire action. It’s a reminder to make the most of the time we have by living with purpose, seeking knowledge, and fulfilling our duties to Allah. In the Qur’an, Allah says:
“And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?”
(Qur’an, 6:32)
When we reflect on this verse, it’s clear that we shouldn’t let the distractions of this world keep us from our true purpose. The dunya (world) has its share of attractions and comforts, but they are fleeting. It’s our deeds and how we spend our time that will matter in the Hereafter.
Why Remembrance of Death is a Blessing
We often avoid thinking about death because it feels like an uncomfortable or distant reality. But in truth, it is one of the most soul stirring ways to bring focus and clarity to our lives. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to remember death regularly because it strips away the illusion that we have endless time and helps us prioritise what truly matters.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said
“Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (death).”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This remembrance of death is not meant to create anxiety but to remind us of the short time we have in this world and the need to act in ways that bring benefit in both this life and the Hereafter.
The Danger of Procrastination
One of the tricks of Shaytan (devil) is to make us feel that we have all the time in the world. He whispers that we can delay worship, delay seeking knowledge, delay fulfilling our duties to Allah and others because there will always be time later. But this is a dangerous mindset.
How often do we find ourselves saying, “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “I’ll improve my connection with Allah soon”? These small delays can turn into months, even years of neglect. Tomorrow is never guaranteed to us. We may not get the chance to make up for lost time, which is why acting now is so important.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds us in a beautiful hadith
“Take advantage of five matters before five – your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.”
(Narrated by Ibn Abbas, Al-Hakim)
This hadith calls upon us to act while we can, to use the blessings of health, wealth, and free time in ways that will benefit us in this life and the next. It’s a powerful reminder that we don’t have the luxury of putting off what truly matters—whether it’s seeking knowledge, spending time in worship, or helping others.
Practical Ways to Make the Most of Your Time
We often hear about the importance of making the most of our time, but what does that actually look like in practice?
How can we ensure that our days are filled with activities that bring us closer to Allah and fulfil our purpose in life?
Here are some practical steps you can take to maximise the blessings of time.
1. Establish a Routine for Daily Worship
One of the most important ways to make the most of your time is to ensure that your worship remains a consistent part of your daily routine. Set aside specific times in your day for prayer, Qur’an reading, and making du’a. Even if you start with small steps, the key is consistency.
Tip: If you struggle with keeping up with all your prayers, try using a prayer app that sends reminders or setting alarms on your phone to remind you. Commit to reading at least a few verses of the Qur’an each day, even if it’s only five minutes before bed.
2. Seek Knowledge Regularly
There is no better way to spend your time than seeking knowledge, especially when it comes to understanding the Qur’an and the teachings of Islam. Learning more about your deen not only brings you closer to Allah but also equips you with the tools to live a better, more purposeful life.
Tip: Set a goal to attend at least one online or in-person Islamic class every week. You can also incorporate Islamic podcasts, YouTube channels, or articles into your routine to ensure you are always learning something new.
3. Engage in Sadaqah (Charity) and Good Deeds
Another meaningful way to make the most of your time is by giving back to others. Whether it’s through donating money, volunteering, or simply helping out a family member or friend in need, every act of kindness is rewarded by Allah.
Tip: Make it a habit to perform at least one small act of charity each day. This could be as simple as smiling at someone, giving a helping hand, or donating a small amount to charity. Remember, no act is too small in the eyes of Allah.
4. Reflect on Your Purpose with Remembrance of Death
Take time regularly to reflect on your purpose in life and align your daily actions with that purpose.
- Are you actively seeking ways to draw closer to Allah?
- Are you using your time to fulfil the goals you’ve set for yourself, both spiritually and personally?
Tip: Keep a journal where you can track your spiritual goals, your progress in learning the Qur’an, and your efforts to contribute positively to your family and community. Regularly reassess your goals to ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
5. Disconnect to Reconnect
We live in a world where distractions are constant. Social media, entertainment, and work can easily take up all our time, leaving little room for reflection or spiritual growth. Sometimes, we need to consciously disconnect from these distractions to reconnect with Allah and focus on what truly matters.
Tip: Designate certain times of the day to put away your phone, turn off the TV, and spend time in quiet reflection, prayer, or reading the Qur’an. Take charge and experience the remarkable difference in your presence and focus.
6. Prioritise Family and Community
Your family and community are integral parts of your life, and nurturing those relationships is an important part of your time on this Earth. Make an effort to spend quality time with your loved ones, support your community, and offer help to those around you.
Tip: Schedule regular family gatherings, volunteer within your local community, or join a study group where you can connect with others while seeking knowledge and growing in your deen.
A Final Reflection
Make today the day you embrace the remembrance of death as a motivator to invest in your relationship with Allah, to seek knowledge, and to take meaningful action. Don’t wait until it’s too late, because none of us knows how much time we truly have left.
May Allah grant us the wisdom to remember death in a way that inspires us to use our time wisely, and may He bless our efforts to draw closer to Him. Ameen.grant us the wisdom to use our time wisely, and may He bless our efforts to draw closer to Him. Ameen.