The Role of Time
A Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara (2:164)
Time is the great revealer of truth, the silent architect of civilizations, and the immutable force governing the destiny of all creation. The Holy Qur’an, in its vast wisdom, directs our attention to the signs of time, weaving together the natural world and the human experience in an intricate tapestry of divine purpose.
The verse from Surah Al-Baqara (2:164) presents a profound discourse on time:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with what benefits people…”
Here, the Qur’an places before us a cosmic scale of time’s influence—how the heavens and the earth, the changing of night and day, and even the movement of ships across vast seas are all manifestations of time’s dominion. This verse is not a mere statement of observable phenomena; it is a philosophical key unlocking the profound nature of existence itself.
The Eternal Motion of Time
In its essence, time is motion. The celestial bodies glide along their ordained paths, defining our days and nights. The earth rotates, the moon orbits, the tides rise and fall—all testaments to time’s relentless march. Even the mighty ships, mentioned in the verse, are not self-propelled; they depend on winds, currents, and the forces of nature that operate under the law of time.
What we witness is not merely a mechanical procession of events but a system intricately tied to purpose and benefit. This is where time transcends mere measurement and enters the realm of meaning. If time were simply the passing of moments, it would be an indifferent force. Yet, the Qur’an reminds us that time exists for the benefit of mankind—a resource to be understood, utilized, and not squandered.
Time as a Moral Witness
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) once declared:
“Do not curse time, for Allah is time.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This statement is deeply illuminating. Time is not an arbitrary entity; it is an extension of divine will. When we waste time, we waste a trust granted to us by Allah. When we misuse time, we distort the natural order set in place for our benefit.
The rise and fall of nations, the prosperity and decline of civilizations—all are bound to their treatment of time. History stands as a witness that those who understood the value of time flourished, while those who neglected it faded into oblivion. The Holy Prophet (SAW) emphasized the urgency of utilizing time wisely:
“Take advantage 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 busyness, and your life before your death.” (Musnad Ahmad)
The Psychological and Social Dimensions of Time
From a psychological perspective, time shapes human perception. A person who understands time as an asset is more likely to cultivate discipline, patience, and perseverance. Procrastination, the enemy of progress, is nothing but an illusion that time can be delayed. But time moves forward unceasingly, never pausing for anyone.
Sociologists argue that the concept of time structures human societies. Industrial revolutions, economic policies, and even cultural norms are built around time management. A society that respects time prospers, while one that disregards it stagnates. The Qur’an repeatedly warns against heedlessness, urging mankind to reflect on time’s passage:
“By the time! Surely, man is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience.” (Surah Al-Asr 103:1-3)
This short yet powerful Surah encapsulates the entire philosophy of time: it is either a blessing or a source of loss, depending on how it is utilized.
The Ahmadiyya Perspective: Time as a Divine Witness
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), the Promised Messiah, frequently spoke of time as a divine testimony. He pointed out that the acceptance of truth is not merely a function of argumentation but is also dependent on the right time. He himself waited patiently for divine support, confident that time would reveal the truth of his mission.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (RA), in Tafsir-e-Kabir, expounded on this subject, explaining that time is a silent but powerful witness to the fulfillment of divine prophecies. He highlighted that just as the alternation of day and night is a sign of Allah’s power, so too are the spiritual revolutions that unfold over time.
Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (RA) further advanced this understanding, emphasizing the moral and intellectual evolution of mankind. He argued that the passage of time unveils deeper truths and allows societies to grasp divine wisdom in progressive stages. He observed that as time moves forward, the truths of the Qur’an become increasingly evident.
Time: A Responsibility and a Trust
The Qur’an’s call to observe the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, and the movement of ships is not merely an invitation to wonder—it is a command to reflect on our role within this grand structure. Time is not an enemy, nor is it a neutral observer. It is an active participant in human destiny, and we are accountable for how we engage with it.
The message of the Qur’an is clear: those who understand time as an opportunity, a witness, and a responsibility will find success. Those who treat it carelessly will face inevitable regret.
Let us, then, honor time—not just by measuring it, but by making it meaningful. Let us use it in service of righteousness, in pursuit of knowledge, and in the fulfillment of our divine purpose. For in the end, time will either testify for us or against us.
Radio VOIB 