Duty of a Muslim towards his time

The first and most important duty of a Muslim towards his time is to protect it from bandits and thieves. Time is the pure gold of life. Therefore, thieves such as sleeping too much, talkativeness, extra conversations, disorganization, lack of planning, wrong habits, inappropriate questions, not consulting with experts, gambling, fake entertainment, etc. are lurking in this pure gold.

In the Holy Qur'an, God Almighty has warned the community of faith against these bandits and thieves. Verses such as:

"And they (believers) turn away from vain deeds."[1]

"[On the Day of Judgment] the people of falsehood [and those who waste their time] will suffer."[2]

Prioritizing tasks

Determining priorities and dealing with important matters is one of the most important principles of time management.

Only in this case, it is possible to avoid wasting opportunities. Therefore, Ali (AS) said:

"Opportunity is lost early and gained late"[3]

This narration shows that if the good and important opportunities are not used properly and at the right time, such an opportunity may not come to the person again.

Imam Sajjad (AS) also refers to this prioritization in the Makaram al-Akhlaq prayer:

"And make me unnecessary from the work that keeps me from worshiping you."

4. Having a plan

Having a regular and coherent plan for the days is very effective in managing time and not wasting it. This planning can define our tasks and goals.

Thinking about small and big goals helps a person to follow them and avoid wasting time. Surely, aimless people are disorderly people.

6. Attention to the "present", not the "past"

Missed opportunities should not prevent a person from good and golden opportunities in life. Therefore, Imam Ali (AS) said:

"Opportunity passes like a cloud. Seize good opportunities [and take advantage of them before they pass]."[4]

[1]- Mumenun: 3

[2]- Ghafir: 78.

[3]- Tamimi Amedi, Ghorral al-Hekam, 2041, p. 113.

[4]- Nahj al-Balagha (Seyyed Razi), Hikmat 21.