YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What does the Quran tell us about the passing of time? Al-Asr (The passage of Time) is the 103rd chapter of the Quran. It is a relatively short chapter. Its translation is as follows: “I swear by the passage of time, that man is surely in a state of loss, except for those who believe and do good deeds and exhort one another to hold fast to the Truth, and who exhort one another to steadfastness.” (103: 1-3) In this chapter, the Quran refers to Time. What is Time? Time is a passing phenomenon; it is always in a state of travel, from present to future, from morning to evening, from today to tomorrow. Time is beyond your control; you can never stop time. In making this reference, the Quran gives a very important lesson, one which is important for everyone, both men and women. The lesson is: take time as an opportunity. Avail of time before it passes away forever. If you miss the train of time, you will never be able to catch it again. Every person is constantly losing time. When he rises in the morning, he has lost the night, which cannot return to him again. As evening nears, he has lost the day. By these verses, the Quran warns every human being to avail of time. The Quran tells man the importance of Time Management. Time Management is a must for every man and woman. We have a very short time on this earth. In only a few years’ time, we will face death. Everyone should undertake a serious planning of their time in order to avail properly of their pre-death period. We only have two options before us: either to use our time wisely, or face failure forever. What is High thinking? Chapter 33 of the Quran refers to what is called remembrance of God in the Quran. The translation of the relevant verse is: “Believers, remember God often.” (33: 41) God Almighty is the Creator of the universe. God is the Highest Reality. God is beyond time and space. God is Omnipresent. God is greater than all great things. God is Supreme in every sense of the word. Remembering God, in other words, means remembering the Highest Reality. This kind of remembrance inculcates in one’s mind high thinking and high thinking is the source of all kinds of high ideals. It is high thinking that makes a personality a great personality. High thinking leads to spiritual uplift and intellectual development. High thinking means living in high ideals. When you set a goal above material goods, you are living in high thinking. High thinking is the greatest achievement in the world. Why is it important to exercise patience? The Quran lays a lot of emphasis on patience (Sabr). The Quran says: ‘Truly, those who persevere patiently will be requited without measure.’