04/01/2025
*Achieving Balance in One’s Life*
25+ Tips:
1. *Catch up on outstanding work:*
وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ خِلْفَةً لِّمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يَذَّكَّرَ أَوْ أَرَادَ شُكُورًا
Meaning: And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.
In the Tafsir of the Ayah in Surah Al Furqan (Ayah 62), it is mentioned:
“Whoever misses out on something at night, he makes up for it in the day, and vice versa.”
2. *Discipline*
3. *Time Management*
Allah has mentioned that from His signs is that He made time for certain things:
Al-Qasas - Ayah 73
وَمِن رَّحْمَتِهِ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Meaning: It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day) - and in order that you may be grateful.
4. *Capitalize on things, even if it’s little*
Spend your time accordingly, even if it’s a narrow slot in your day.
Balance really means: constant adjustment
5. *Prioritization*
Start with those whom you have more responsibility for. Your mother deserves your companionship foremost.
6. *Constantly look to where you can improve*
7. *Do not compare your schedule to others’*
8. *Measure your time in quality, not quantity*
9. *Make time for fitness, entertainment, etc. in moderation*
When it came to serious matters (الحقائق), the companions would put entertainment aside and focus.
10. *Know when to excuse yourself/when to say ‘no’*
11. *Avoid randomness in your schedule*
This creates lack of structure. Make times for certain errands, appointments, etc.
12. *Do not work on Saturday unless necessary*
Some say this, similar to the Hadith which mentions the prohibition of fasting non-obligatory fasts on Saturday.
13. *Learn to delay/postpone and come back*
14. *Revolve your planning around the five daily prayers*
15. *Resort to drawing lots when conflicted*
Proof: when the Prophet ﷺ wanted to travel, he would draw a lot to see which of his wives would accompany him.
16. *Limit non-essential activities*
17. *Designate a time to review knowledge*
You could visit a halaqa once a month, or similarly.
18. *Don’t wait for someone to identify your poor schedule/issues*
19. *Desígnate a time to study*
20. *Seek counselling & Do Istikhara*
21. *When you start something, aim to finish it*
22. *Stay Productive*
Ash-Sharh - Ayah 7-8
فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ
وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَارْغَب
Meaning: So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allâh’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.
Ibn Uthaymeen comments on the Ayah, saying that this refers to one occupying their free time.
23. *Aim to gain energy through various activities and possessions*
Ex. When you are good at work, aim to continue this goodness at home
24. *Make dua that Allah rectifies various aspects of your life*
Make the duas of the Prophet ﷺ:
Ex. 1:
اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِيَ الَّذِي
هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَاىَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ)
📚 Muslim 2720
Ex. 2:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
📚 Ibn Majah, 925 (Sahih, Darussalam)
25. *Limit after work and after-school activities*
26. *Plan & do things in advance*
Otherwise, you may expend your energy all at work or all with family/friends.
Give precedence to the day over the night.
*Conclusion: One must remember that being balanced must be done by establishing their life upon worship (عيادة)*
🎙️Abu Fajr’s lecture from the Winter Conference at Masjid Al Istiqama (Jumada II-27-1446)
