Time, Faith, and What Really Matters in Life

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Hi peeps,

How’s everything going? I hope all is well with everyone.

As we approach the end of January 2025, I can’t help but feel like time is slipping away faster than ever. It brings to mind a narration by Anas bin Malik RA, where the Prophet PBUH said:

لاَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَتَقَارَبَ الزَّمَانُ فَتَكُونُ السَّنَةُ كَالشَّهْرِ وَالشَّهْرُ كَالْجُمُعَةِ وَتَكُونُ الْجُمُعَةُ كَالْيَوْمِ وَيَكُونُ الْيَوْمُ كَالسَّاعَةِ وَتَكُونُ السَّاعَةُ كَالضَّرْمَةِ بِالنَّارِ

"The hour shall not be established until time is constricted, and the year is like a month, a month is like a week, a week is like the day, and the day is like the hour, and the hour is like the flare of the fire."
— Jami` at-Tirmidhi (2332) [This hadith is considered sahih by Imam Ibn Hibban in his Sahih]

Reading this hadith always gives me a jolt, making me acutely aware of the rapid passage of time. To be honest, it scares me a bit, especially when I reflect on my faith and deeds. I haven't been as consistent with my prayers as I'd like, and I feel I could be doing more to help others. This realization frightens me deeply.

This feeling of time slipping away became even more vivid when I saw reminders on TikTok—messages like "it’s never too late to repent" and "stay consistent in your salat." These reminders have been echoing in my mind, and at times, it feels like my soul is crying out for the love of its Creator. I'm aware of my shortcomings, but I am trying. I'm not at my best, but I’m striving to improve by making a conscious effort to pray regularly and by seeking knowledge about my faith. My hope is that, by His mercy, I can become the kind of Muslim that Allah accepts—and that it’s never too late for me to make that change.

This feeling of time slipping away is something I've been thinking a lot about lately. It reminded me of something I came across on Reddit. Someone on Reddit pointed out that time seems to pass most slowly when we're in pain, suggesting that our perception of time is closely tied to our emotional state.

This idea really resonated with me. It reminds me of how, when we’re younger, time seems to move slowly, and we can’t wait to grow up. Back then, our concerns were simpler, and our focus was mostly on school. But as we enter adulthood, the challenges grow. The pressure of trying to achieve financial stability, balancing relationships, and taking care of our mental health can make time feel like it’s speeding by.

As adults, it's easy to lose focus on what truly matters. When we were in school, studying was our primary focus. But as we get older, it’s easy to get distracted by the weight of responsibilities, and we find ourselves realizing how quickly time passes when we haven’t prioritized what’s truly important.

This brings me to a question I’ve been reflecting on: As adults, what should our main focus and goal be?

For me, spiritual growth is the most important goal. Staying connected to my faith through prayer, seeking forgiveness, and striving to be kind and just in my actions are all part of this journey. It's a challenge to balance these spiritual goals with the demands of work and family, but I'm trying to be more intentional about scheduling time for prayer and reflection. 

I’m still trying to figure it out, but I believe it’s about balancing life’s responsibilities while nurturing my spiritual growth and relationships. I’ve started carving out small moments each day to reflect, pray, and spend quality time with loved ones.

In the end, I think the goal is to live with intention. By being mindful of how we spend our time, prioritizing our spiritual growth and relationships, and practicing self-compassion, we can find balance and meaning even as time continues to fly by.

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