Getting used to Order and Punctuality

Many of us lead chaotic lives and lack commitment to appointments and times. When Ramadhaan comes, it gives us a great lesson in how to maintain punctuality and order. Let us reflect on one example to see how Ramadhaan teaches people order and punctuality.

The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "When you hear the Athaan of Bilaal, do not abstain [from food or drink]; but abstain when you hear the Athaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom." [Reported by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

What was the time between the Athaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom and that of Bilaal, may Allah be pleased with them? The narrator said: What was between them was the time during which Bilaal got down and Ibn Umm Maktoom went up. Thus, it is a difference of a few minutes. See how the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, taught his Companions the importance of time and punctuality. There is a time for fasting and there is a time for breaking the fast. If the fasting person does not comply with these times and deliberately eats food, say, two minutes before sunset, this invalidates his fasting. Do you see how fasting teaches us punctuality in order to save time, which constitutes our lifespan?

Many of those who fast have learned this lesson. When you enter upon an employee in his office in his spare time, you will find him reading the Quran. So does the teacher between classes, and students at school. You see everyone having the diligence to take advantage of time while fasting.

However, we wish that this diligence and competition would continue in the night of Ramadhaan and extend after Ramadhaan. A Muslim is required to hastening to do good deeds at all times. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “So race to [all that is] good.” [Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:148 and Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:48]

It means "do good deeds as early as possible and be among those who hasten to goodness in this life in order to be among them in the Hereafter."

The order to race to goodness surpasses the order to do good deeds. In other words, racing to do good deeds includes doing them, completing them, perfecting them, and hastening to them. Therefore, the one who races first to good deeds in this life will be the first to enter Paradise in the Hereafter. [Tafseer As-Sa‘di, p.186]

Not only does fasting train us to save our time, but it also teaches us punctuality and better time management. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “[Fasting for] a limited number of days.” [Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184]

Allah The Almighty reminds us that Ramadhaan is a few days which are rare and precious and soon go away. It is regrettable to see some people in Ramadhaan spending their time with no benefit, and perhaps even in sins and misdeeds. They do so in these meritorious days when the gates of Paradise are open and the gates of Hell are closed! What goodness are those people are denied! The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:

"Jibreel (Gabriel) came to me and said: 'O Muhammad! A Muslim who joins Ramadhaan and his sins are not forgiven, may Allah distance him!' I said: "Aameen." [Reported by Ibn Hibbaan: Saheeh]

A Muslim must utilize his time in Ramadhaan in all that brings him closer to his Lord and keeps him away from His wrath. This includes developing his own schedule for the deeds he wants to accomplish in that month, such as reading the Quran or a useful book, or visiting a relative or a neighbor, or providing food for people to break their fast with, or distributing beneficial tapes or posters to one’s family and neighbors. If all these activities are done with prior planning and thought, they will be more fruitful.