We live in a world where success is measured by results, where ambitions sparkle like distant stars, and comparisons shadow every achievement. The pressure to reach grand milestones, to shine in the eyes of others, keep up with social expectations, stay connected through screen, all while keeping your faith foremost and steadfast, can effortlessly overwhelm the heart and cloud the mind. Yet, beyond this relentless chase lies a timeless path whispered by the sacred Quran- a path of barakah, divine abundance that stretches far beyond human calculation. To achieve and taste the real sweetness of victory, our time should be taken advantage of with purpose and Taqwa of Allah, helping it to become blessed [barakah], which will call out to have a balanced mind.

In our sacred religion of Islam, every pillar crosses paths with time. For example, when we look at Salah, it is an ibadah commanded to be performed within a certain period of time or Fasting, which we should perform in a particular month-Ramadan. Likewise, Zakat- which arrives every year and our final pillar, Hajj, can only be performed in a certain month- Dhul Hijjah- sparking the importance of time. 

Time is not just a sequence of hours and days and months, but a holy custody granted by Allah to his servants. The Quran draws attention to time over and over again, even stating Qasam [swearing] by it in Surah Al Asr- “Wal asr. Innal insana lafee khusr” translated as ‘I swear by time, indeed mankind is in loss.” This is a striking verse emphasising that real accomplishment depends on how human beings use time. On the Day of Judgement, when Allah questions people about how long they lived on earth, they will reply with unwavering certainty: “Only a day.” So certain that they will request Allah to ask the recorders, the angels. Why? Not because they were cursed with an incredibly short amount of time compared to others, but because their lives were lifeless and empty, with purposeless time and decades without ibadah and worship, collapsing in their eyes, into a mere moment.

Countless young people in this generation feel as if they have a heart like a sealed tomb- alive in form but dead in feeling. This is not because Islam has meagreness of guidance but because today’s world is bursting with an ocean of distractions. One of the biggest distractions is constant digital entertainment- endless scrolling, games, social media, and unnecessary applications that weaken focus and worship. Another is seeking approval and validation through likes, appearance, posts and strangers from the internet. These two massive sources of occupation are not just silently killing our spiritual health but also our physical, mental, social and emotional health. These platforms are designed to exploit core human needs such as belonging, recognition, status, novelty, and reward, etc.

Only Allah can keep our minds steady and unshakable steady despite the academic and digital pressure. Someone who neglects their spiritual obligation may look like they are successful, but in truth, they are an empty shell decorated splendidly on the outside but filled with voidness inside. Allah says in Quran, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. “We do not have to completely eliminate all distractions from our lives, for the world itself is the third part of our journey. In fact, Allah reminds us in the Quran, “But seek, through what Allah has given you; and DO NOT FORGET YOUR SHARE OF THE WORLD. And do good as Allah has done good for you. And do not seek corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters. “Entertainment, joy, and rest are not rivals of our faith. The true struggle is not ignoring them or destroying them, but in walking through it without losing ourselves. The key, then, is balance- giving the soul nourishment while allowing ourselves our share of the Dunya.

How to balance the aakhirah with the dunya in light of the seerah-

• Start with the correct intention [Niyyah]- Turn everyday action and chores, such as cleaning the house, studying, caring for family, and rest or doing a physical workout, into worship by intending them for the sake of Allah. The Prophet SWT stated in a hadith “Actions are judged by intentions.”
• Prioritise Quality over Quantity in worship- Small but consistent acts are more beloved to the Almighty than sporadic extremes. Our beloved Prophet Muhammed PBUH said, “The most beloved deed to Allah is the one that is consistent, even if it is small.”
• Use Barakah, not just time management- Barakah is the increase of quality that goes beyond normal human understanding. Strengthen your relationship with Allah as Barakah begins with Taqwa [God- consciousness], begin everything in the name of Allah, maintain gratitude [Shukr[, rise early, keep ties of kinship, avoid excess and worship. And ask Barakah from the one who possesses it.
• Avoid procrastination- This is not only highlighted in Islam but has significant psychological impacts. Procrastination increases anxiety and stress, guilt and shame, impaired cognitive function, and physical health consequences, if done for a long period of time.
• Do Muhasabha [reflection]- A short moment of self-accountability helps maintain balance and draw the line between balance and excessiveness.
• Have a regular routine- Motivation fades, but habits do not.
• Rise Early- Rasulullah SAW said, “Allah has blessed [Barakah] the time for my ummah in the early morning hours.” Prophet SAW never slept late in the daytime, but he did take a short afternoon nap.

In conclusion, “Blessed Time, Balanced Mind” is not just a slogan but a way of life shaped by Islamic teachings. This balance leads not only to success in education and careers but also to majestic tranquillity, inevitable faith, and a profound life. When time is guided by Islam, the mind finds fulfilment, and the heart moves serenely towards Allah.