"I don't have time." It's one of the most common things we say – for Quran, for family, for ourselves. Yet the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, with far fewer conveniences than us, achieved remarkable things. What did they understand about time that we can learn from?
Time Is a Blessing We Will Be Asked About
The Prophet ﷺ said: "There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6412)
He also said that on the Day of Judgement, a person will be asked about their life and how they spent it, their youth and how they used it (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Our time is a trust from Allah.
Five Before Five
The Prophet ﷺ advised: "Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death." (Reported by al-Hakim; graded authentic by Shaykh al-Albani)
This is perfect advice for both children and adults – today is always the best time to start something good.
How the Day Was Organised Around Salah
In Madinah, life was structured around the five daily prayers. Fajr began the day early; work and learning filled the morning; the afternoon and evening had time for family and rest. Salah naturally divides the day into blocks – we can use the same idea:
- After Fajr: Quran and adhkar (even 10 minutes)
- Between Dhuhr and 'Asr: focused work or study
- After Maghrib: family time, homework, Quran class
- After 'Isha: wind down and sleep early
Practical Time-Savers for Modern Families
- Turn waiting time into dhikr time: in the car, in queues, in waiting rooms.
- Limit screen time: 30 minutes less scrolling a day = 3.5 hours a week for Quran and family.
- Plan the week: on Sunday evening, decide when Quran classes, homework and family time will happen.
- Small daily habits beat big occasional efforts. The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if small (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464, Sahih Muslim 783).
For Kids: My Day Plan
Draw a simple circle divided into the five prayers. Write in each part one good thing you will do in that time – read Quran, help Mum or Dad, do homework, play outside, read a book.
Make Time for the Quran
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