The Prophet SAW said,
Take benefit 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 preoccupation,
- And your life before your death.
[Sahib and Muslim]
In our daily hustle and bustle, we often become trapped in distractions of this Dunya, inadvertently neglecting our blessings and making the most of them. The above Hadith is a profound reminder to be mindful of the transient nature of this life and our blessings before they are taken away from us.
In this article, we will delve deeper into each of these reminders, providing practical guidance on how to make the most of the ‘five before five’ so that we can build our path to Jannah.
Youth Before Old Age
Youth is a time of opportunity and prosperity, however, if one doesn’t take advantage of it, time and energy can easily be wasted.
When we are young we have strength and enthusiasm to contribute to the community and society at large by taking actions for the sake of Allah SWT.
The Prophet ﷺ has told us that a young person who grew up with the worship of Allah, will be among the seven who are granted shade by Allah when there no shade but His. (Bukhari)
Taking advantage of our youth is also a reminder that time is never promised. Many individuals claim that they will start practising Islam once they get ‘older’ however the truth is that this time may never come. We have no guarantee that we will live to our old age and so it is vital that we take advantage of our youthful days and strive in the path of Allah SWT.
Tip: Use your youth to learn, grow and contribute to society. Set goals and seek guidance from those older than you and embrace every opportunity that comes your way!
Health before your sickness
Just as we often underestimate the value of our youth, we similarly undervalue our health. We’re constantly reminded to make the most of our wellness before sickness. What we frequently miss is that our health is a direct blessing from Allah SWT. When gifted with optimal health, we tend to underestimate it and fail to grasp its true worth.
In our state of good health, we frequently try to justify certain Ibadah such as not praying Sunnah as there may not be enough time or being occupied with work preventing us from committing time to reading Quran everyday. We must constantly remind ourselves that our present health isn’t promised forever. Anything at any moment can effect our lives, potentially preventing us from tasting the fruits of this Ibadah.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possessed the whole world.” [At- Tirmidhi].
Tip: Priortise your daily acts of worship and perform them to the best of your ability. Be mindful of all aspect of your health, including your physical, mental and spiritual health.
Wealth before your poverty
Wealth isn’t solely defined by substantial savings, palatial homes, luxury vehicles, or advanced entertainment systems. Even basic amenities like shelter, clothing, and sustenance position us among the affluent in global terms. This perspective is frequently overshadowed, especially when we juxtapose our situation with those possessing more material assets.
Currently, millions globally lack access to clean water and are uncertain about their next meal. It is towards these individuals that we should direct our charity. Even modest contributions can create significant impact.
Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned. (Quran 2:245)
Tip: No one ever becomes poor by giving in charity. Set yourself a goal that you intend on giving in charity every week and stay consistent in achieving this goal.
Free-time before your preoccupation
Wasting time on idle things is not recommended in Islam. We should try to always fill our free time in remembering Allah SWT and performing actions that he is pleased with.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) Health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari)
Time is a currency that we can never fully understand the value of. This means that it is always important to reflect on how we are spending our time and if we are benefitign those around us as well with out time.
Tip: Our time is limited. Always ask Allah SWT to put Barakah in your time. Never delay any act of worship thinking that you will “do it later”, because “later” may never come.
Life before your death.
Death is an inevitable truth that we can never run from. Every night when we sleep our souls temporarily leave us. It is only through the blessing of Allah SWT that our souls are returned in the follwoing mornign, give us the opportunity to worship Allah SWT for at least one more day.
In is easy to forget that the gift of life is precious. It is important that we reflect on our lives and use the time we have to please Allah SWT and achieve our ultimate goal of Jannah.
Tip: Death is promised however eternal life is not. Prioritise your acts of worship and thank Allah SWT for the countless blessings.
We pray that Allah SWT grant us the ability to make the most of all five blessings that we have been gifted with, and that he accept our efforts.
