Valuing Time: Students' Key to Success

Understanding the Concept of Time

Introduction

Alhamdulillahi wakafa, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala ‘ibadihi alladhina istafa. Amma ba'du.

I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Time — one of the greatest gifts of Allah — often slips through our fingers without notice. For students especially, it is the most valuable resource they possess. In this blog, inspired by a speech delivered at Jamiatul Uloom Al-Islamia, Dhaka, we reflect on how valuing time can unlock a student’s full potential — in both dunya (this world) and akhirah (the Hereafter).

Time: A Divine Blessing, A Neglected Treasure

Imam Al-Ghazali (رحمه الله) once remarked:

“Time is not just gold; it is life itself. It is a collection of breaths and moments — once gone, never to return.”

Indeed, Allah the Almighty highlights the importance of time by swearing by it in the Qur’an:

"Wal-Asr. Innal insana lafi khusr."
"By time, indeed mankind is in loss — except those who believe, do righteous deeds, enjoin truth, and enjoin patience.” (Surah Al-Asr)

This powerful verse reminds us that every human being is in a state of loss — unless they use their time meaningfully.

Prophetic Wisdom on Time

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ profoundly emphasized the importance of time:

“Two blessings are often undervalued by people: health and free time.” (Bukhari)
“The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about his life — how he spent it.” (Tirmidhi)

Time is not just a resource; it is a witness. It will testify for us or against us in the hereafter.

The Legacy of Our Scholars

Throughout history, Islamic scholars demonstrated remarkable discipline with their time:

• Imam Abu Yusuf (رحمه الله): Even on his deathbed, he was discussing fiqh.

• Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani (رحمه الله): Divided his night into three — studying, sleeping, and worship.

• Ibn al-Jawzi (رحمه الله): Claimed to have written over 2,000 volumes with the same finger — because he valued every moment.

These were not just men of knowledge, but masters of time.

A Call to Action for Students

Dear students,
Time waits for no one — it moves forward relentlessly. We can either be swept away by its current or rise with it.

Let us not be among those who regret wasted time. Let us strive to use our days for:

• Seeking knowledge sincerely

• Building noble character

• Serving our families, communities, and the ummah

Following the advice of our Prophet ﷺ and the examples of our scholars is the path to true success — in both this life and the next.

Conclusion

As we close, we make du’a for all scholars who honored time and enriched the ummah with their efforts. May Allah bless us with barakah in our time, grant us wisdom in how we use it, and make us among those who succeed through it.

Ameen.
Wassalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.