Alhamdhulillah, as we step beyond the sacred month of Ramadan, a month graced with fasting, prayer, and community, we carry forward a treasure trove of spiritual insights and commitments. In reflecting upon this period, it’s crucial to deeply acknowledge and express our gratitude for the fortune of experiencing another Ramadan, a blessing that not all were granted. This realization should instill in us a deeper appreciation for the invaluable asset of time—a capital we are all too prone to overlook.

Throughout Ramadan, our days were not just filled with profound worship but also with precious moments shared with family and friends during Iftar, praying in congregation, and socializing with the faithful. We found solace in the serenity of the masjid, immersing ourselves in a communal spirit that uplifted each participant. These experiences, while enriching, also serve as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of using it wisely.

Drawing from the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said, “There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time” in Bukhari 6412,

نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ، الصِّحَّةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ 

we are reminded of the two blessings many of us lose: health and free time. This hadith from Sahih Bukhari serves as a wake-up call, urging us not to be deceived into squandering these gifts. Furthermore, another guidance from the Prophet teaches us to seize five key opportunities before they are lost.

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before you get busy, and your life before your death.” Source: Shu’ab al-Imān lil-Bayhaqī 10250

  عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اغْتَنِمْ خَمْسًا قَبْلَ خَمْسٍ شَبَابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ وَصِحَّتَكَ قَبْلَ سَقَمِكَ وَغِنَاكَ قَبْلَ فَقْرِكَ وَفَرَاغَكَ قَبْلَ شُغُلِكَ وَحَيَاتَكَ قَبْلَ مَوْتِكَ 

These ahadhith underscore the impermanence of our current state and the urgency of proactive engagement in life’s pursuits. 

One Quranic surah that emphasizes being a people of excellence or how not to be a loser is Surah Al-Asr.

This chapter, though brief, is potent in its message about the human condition. It asserts that by default, humanity is in a state of loss except for those who have faith, do righteous deeds, and engage in promoting truth and patience. This formula is a recipe for personal salvation and a blueprint for societal welfare.

The Surah goes on to highlight four critical elements: faith and righteous deeds, which relate to personal spiritual health, and advising each other for truth and patience, which are not just essential for community cohesion and ethical development but also for our personal growth. These principles serve as dual responsibilities for every believer—not only to strive for personal righteousness but also to foster a community that supports ethical living and mutual respect.

In today’s fast-paced world, where individual pursuits often overshadow collective welfare, these teachings are particularly poignant. They remind us that our responsibilities extend beyond personal piety; they encompass active participation in the well-being of our community. Whether through encouraging good deeds or offering patient counsel, our actions contribute to a healthier, more spiritually aligned society.

As we reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and look to the days ahead, let us strive to apply these principles consistently. Let the discipline and devotion we nurture during Ramadan not wane with its passing but bolster our commitment throughout the year. By valuing our time and using it wisely, not only for personal gain but for communal benefit, we can truly honor the blessings bestowed upon us and forge a path that leads to both worldly betterment and spiritual fulfillment.

May Allah azzawajal guide us to use our time wisely and invest our irreplaceable capital wisely in things that are beneficial for us, our families, and society.