Time Management Tips Inspired by the Quran and Sunnah

Time Management Tips Inspired by the Quran and Sunnah

One of the most valuable assets one can possess is time, yet it always seems like we never have enough. With the never-ending responsibilities of the day from family duties to work deadlines, being able to manage time has become quite a difficult task. We often find ourselves without much time, always busy trying to get something done. On the other hand, while it seems like having less time is the issue, the actual problem lies in a lack of effective time management. It’s not more time you need but better management of what you already have.

Bombarded with one distraction to another, is the root cause of this inability to manage time in an appropriate manner. In order to deal with the difficulty, we must acknowledge and actively tackle the cause. Furthermore, as Muslims we have additional spiritual responsibility that we must fulfill daily. Being unable to complete said responsibility due to a lack of adequate time management or distractions that cause us to waste our time, would be heartbreaking. 

Luckily for us, Islam provides us with a beautiful framework for time management, to top it off, the lifestyle of the Prophet (PBUH) practically showcases the doability of various tasks, by balancing the roles of a leader, husband, and servant of Allah, he effectively showed us that with the right mindset and habits, it’s possible to use our time wisely and achieve balance. You can learn more about the Prophet (PBUH)'s daily routine by having a look at one of our previous blog, "A Day in the Life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)".

One of the very popular hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) highlights two gifts given by Allah (SWT) to mankind that we often take for granted or are unable to fully grasp the importance of,  Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time." [Sahih al-Bukhari 6412] 

Many times we tend to realize the importance of something once we lose it. Our health and free time are two of those commodities. Instead of feeling sorrowful for not utilising your time properly once it's too late, it's better to take proactive measures when the time is right. 

Instead of prioritizing and falling victim to  the distractions of this world, we must maintain discipline and deal with this difficulty. Islamically, the best way to practise time management is by not compromising on your 5 daily prayers. 

Prayer 

One of the easiest ways to practise and better your time management skills is by the simple implementation of division. Learn to divide your day into segments. This makes arranging and scheduling your activities of the day a lot more manageable and sets you up with an organized routine. Derived by the concept of the five daily prayers. Each prayer has a specific time—Fajr in the early morning, Dhuhr in the afternoon, Asr in the late afternoon, Maghrib at sunset, and Isha at night—naturally creating checkpoints throughout the day. Given the importance of fulfilling these prayers, it's sensible to plan out your other activities around these fixed moments. Not only does this help your priorities and remind us of the importance of our relationship with Allah (SWT) but it also facilitates and acts as a moment of break from the business of the day. 

These regular Salah breaks also give us the ability to rejuvenate our minds and bodies, effectively avoiding burnouts or other ailments that could be caused by excessive stress. Experiencing a moment of zen by retreating and spending time with the Lord helps us refocus and regroup. Additionally, it reminds us to balance our worldly responsibilities with spiritual obligations as we must not neglect either. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran,

 “And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah.” [2:110]

The Prophet (PBUH) prioritized the Fajr prayer, making it the longest of the five daily prayers. He used this quiet time to engage in dhikr and Quran recitation. This practice not only strengthened his faith but also set a positive tone for the day emphasizing the importance of tranquility and reflection, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.  

If we are to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s practice of waking up early and engaging in the remembrance of Allah, DEENIN has the ideal product for you. The Ebadat Prayer Rug with Backrest is designed to offer essential back support to those seeking to sit comfortably and immerse themselves in deep connection with their Lord. Available in 3 vibrant colors, the Prayer Rug features extra foam padding for maximum comfort and a foldable, compact design for easy storage. A perfect addition to your home. Quickly get your prayer rug and kick-start the addition of new habits in your daily routine.

Dhikr

Dhikr, or remembrance, is a term that encompasses a wide range of practices in Islam. Linguistically, it means to remember, mention, or invoke. In the Islamic context, it refers to the remembrance of Allah through specific phrases, prayers, or reflections. Dhikr can be performed verbally, mentally, or even physically, as seen in the act of Salah (prayer), which is itself a form of Dhikr. Dhikr, Salah and other forms of remembrance of Allah (SWT) all come under the umbrella term of ‘taqwa’.

The significance of Dhikr is highlighted throughout the Qur'an. One of the clearest references is found in the Holy Quran, where Allah states:

 "So remember Me; I will remember you." [2:152]

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of Dhikr—when a believer remembers Allah, Allah, in turn, bestows His mercy and blessings upon them. The following verse accentuates how prayer is the most basic route to getting guidance, protection, and response from The All Mighty.