Perhaps it’s Forgetfulness not Ingratitude
Jummah Mubarak, sis! The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us to value three precious blessings before they slip away:
Our youth before old age – the energy, strength, and opportunities we have now won’t last forever.
Our health before illness – the ability to move, worship, and live fully is a gift we often overlook until it’s tested.
Our free time before it becomes occupied – every moment of ease is a chance to grow closer to Allah, yet it can vanish quickly.
The true challenge for us is to pause and reflect: How well are we taking care of these blessings today? Life moves so fast, and it’s easy to take them for granted. Sometimes this neglect looks like ingratitude, but often it’s simply forgetfulness. We get caught up in the present and forget the treasures in our hands.
This reminder is not meant to weigh us down, but to awaken our hearts to gratitude and mindfulness. When we recognize and honor these blessings, even the smallest acts—like a prayer, a smile, or helping someone—become valuable in the sight of Allah.
Surah Al-‘Asr (103:1-3):
“By Time, indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.”
This short surah, though only three verses, carries an ocean of wisdom. Allah swears by time, reminding us that every moment slipping away is a part of our life we can never reclaim. With each tick of the clock, we either draw closer to Allah or waste an opportunity that will never return.
Allah then declares a profound truth: by default, all of humanity is in loss. Loss of youth, loss of health, loss of free time—unless we use these fleeting gifts in the right way. The only ones saved from this loss are those who fulfill four conditions:
Faith (Iman) – Anchoring our lives in belief in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Righteous deeds – Using our health, strength, and time to worship Allah and benefit His creation.
Encouraging truth – Reminding one another of the right path, standing firm against falsehood, and calling to justice.
Encouraging patience – Uplifting each other in times of trial, remaining steadfast in hardship, and not giving up when faith is tested.
This surah teaches us that salvation is not individual, it’s collective. We must help one another stay mindful, grateful, and steadfast. It ties beautifully to the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ reminding us to value youth before old age, health before sickness, and free time before busyness.
Together, the hadith and this surah remind us that life is a limited opportunity, and every moment matters. The question is—are we investing our time as believers, doers of good, encouragers of truth, and companions in patience?
