Take Advantage of Five Before Five
Life is a precious gift, and time is one of the greatest blessings that many people take for granted. The Prophet (ﷺ) reminded us to make the most of what we have before it is too late.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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 your work, and your life before your death.”
(Shu’ab al-Iman lil-Bayhaqi 10250)
What Can We Learn from This Hadith?
1. Your Youth Before Your Old Age
– Youth is a time of strength, energy, and enthusiasm.
– Use it wisely in worship, seeking knowledge, and doing good deeds before old age makes it harder.
2. Your Health Before Your Illness
– When we are healthy, we have the ability to pray, fast, and perform acts of worship with ease.
– Sickness can come at any time, so we must take advantage of good health while we can.
3. Your Riches Before Your Poverty
– Wealth is a test—use it for good before financial hardship comes.
– Spend in charity, support those in need, and invest in the Hereafter.
4. Your Free Time Before Your Work
– Many of us waste time on distractions, forgetting that time is a blessing.
– Use free time wisely for Qur’an, dhikr, learning, and improving yourself.
5. Your Life Before Your Death
– Our time in this world is limited, and death can come unexpectedly.
– Every moment is an opportunity to earn Allah’s pleasure—don’t let it go to waste.
How Can We Apply This in Ramadan?
– Spend more time in ibadah (worship).
– Give charity while you can.
– Seek knowledge and reflect on the Qur’an.
– Use your health to fast, pray, and do good.
– Make every day count before it’s too late.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Ramadan is a reminder that time is passing, and every second is an opportunity to get closer to Allah. Let’s make the most of what we have before it slips away.
May Allah guide us to use our blessings wisely and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter. Aamiin