Time Management for Sisters
Time management seems to be a feat that is a constant challenge for many Muslims and even non Muslims. We are all allotted the same duration of time during the day and night. Yet there are those who are able to maximize their time and achieve progress on their goals and then there are those who do not move forward, finding themselves in a cycle of setting the same goals year after year.
Today’s modern world operates on the Gregorian calendar and as default, as Muslims while adhering to the Hijri calendar, we also use the Gregorian calendar to keep time and fulfil our worldly obligations, which includes medical appointments, bill payments etc. In accordance with this method of time keeping, people naturally look forward to the arbitrary change in the number of the new year. Prior to the dawn of a new year, we analyze where we are in life and begin to draft the many things we would like to change and set new things we would like to achieve.
Unfortunately for many this is one of the only times during the year where a revision of time spent occurs. Limited assessment of time spent and poor time management is something that can hinder us if we don’t take action.
The Messenger ﷺ said:
نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنْ النَّاسِ الصِّحَةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ
“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 8/421]
Within a span of a few decades, the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, through divine guidance and profound wisdom, ushered in a transformation so vast and enduring that it stands unparalleled in the annals of human history. Surrounding him were his companions, some of whom whose lives short, were marked by great contribution to the ummah. These feats offer powerful contrasts to the distractions of our time.
Furthermore when you look at Islam, our worship of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and critical aspects of our deen are contingent on time; the time prayer comes in and ends, when are sunnah prayers permitted, when Ramadan occurs, when we can perform Hajj, and even when we can remove body hair etc.
These examples highlight the importance of time. With proper planning and disposal of the idea of not having enough time, we can begin to take action that will enable us to fulfill our religious obligations as well as worldly affairs.
I preface this blog post by saying that I understand life can be overwhelming at times. Amidst writing this I feel an inordinate amount of pressure in some areas. As women we also have the responsibility of being wives, mothers, daughters, volunteers, homemakers and much more. We work around the clock tending to our many obligations which can often appear insignificant yet require so much of our energy. The addition of menopause, menstrual cycles and fluctuations of emotions can add another layer of challenge.
Sometimes we can fall into a slump where we can experience a period of reduced productivity and energy which is normal. Perhaps when this happens it is our bodies telling us to rest and should be honoured within reason. However, knowing it is okay to feel this way does not mean we remain in such a state for a long time as it will diminish hope within ourselves.
There are things that can be done to recoup and keep trying again and again.
It is up to us to make the most of our time and do what is within our capacity each day to keep the needle moving forward.
Toronto Dawah (Not affiliated) has put together a thorough presentation on the topic that is far more comprehensive than anything I have here. The great thing about it, is it was presented solely with sisters in mind and Ustadh goes over day to day responsibilities of women. Obligations we have to others (we as women generally tend to put everyone before ourselves) and the rights (ie; rest) our bodies have on us as well. The lecture itself pertains to seeking knowledge but the advice regarding time can be applied by all across all areas. It is a great lecture to refer to when feeling disorganized and in need of a boost. May Allah reward the Ustadh for making this accessible in a manner that is easy to understand.
Practical Steps:
1: Mindset Shift
Our minds are powerful centres which shape our self beliefs and can have profound impact. You need to be optimistic about life and have the deep self belief that with Allah’s help anything is achievable. Think positively and ask Allah to put barakah in your time and your affairs.
The Prophet ﷺ said,
“ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي، فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي، وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلأٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلأٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ بِشِبْرٍ تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا، وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً ”
“Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’ ” [ Sahih al-Bukhari 7405]
2: Write down main priorities of each day
Use task managers, planners, notebooks, anything that works for you to keep track of important things. After doing a brain dump of all the things you would like to complete your task list may get long. To stay focused, pick just three key tasks for the day. These should be the ones that, if completed, would make you feel accomplished even if you got nothing else done.
3. Waking up early
Waking up early for fajr and staying up afterwards in seasons where fajr falls at a manageable hour can be a great way to have more room in your day. These early hours in the morning have so many blessings. There are limited distractions to work on the things that require the most cognitive energy.
4: Start small and commit.
It is the small consistent actions that make a quiet yet transformative impact. Committing establishes that self belief and self confidence. Each step reinforces the idea that we are capable. Over time, this steady commitment becomes the foundation for true transformation. While research suggests that forming a habit can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, depending on the person and the habit; the key takeaway is that consistency over a period of time matters. Rather than focusing on a fixed number, you might find it helpful to work in 21 day cycles. This creates a clear, achievable timeframe that allows you to track progress, reflect, and reset with intention. It seems to be long enough where you can see progress but short enough where you do not lose motivation.
5. Monthly & Quarterly Audits
Every now and then, take a step back and genuinely reflect on how you’ve been spending your time. A time audit can be uncomfortable at times because it forces you to get off autopilot and reassess your use of time.
Some questions to ask yourself could include;
What’s been giving you energy? What’s been quietly draining you in the background? How much time have you spent on your devices without purpose? Are your current routines and commitments helping you?
We often carry on with systems, habits, or activities just because they’ve become familiar. But if something no longer aligns with your values, your goals, or the season of life you’re in, it’s okay to pause and reassess to see if you need to make adjustments. Doing these check ins monthly or quarterly helps you course correct before derailment from goals occurs.
6. Schedule Time for Yourself and Do not Overcommit
Amidst everything we do it is key to block out personal time. How much or what you will do is going to be tied to what you value as a self care activity. Maybe you enjoy crochet and do that for half an hour a few times a week. Or you’d like to have a cup of tea in silence with your journal. Whatever it may be, schedule time for yourself. In addition to this it is important to prioritize your commitments and stop saying yes to everything. You do not want to stretch yourself thin as that will compound and affect other areas.
Time is a precious gift from Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Small, consistent steps and asking for His blessing can help us make the most of it. As always remember to be kind to yourself, keep moving forward, and trust that progress comes with patience. If I have made any mistakes in this writing, they are purely from the whispers of shaitan and my own shortcomings. Any goodness, wisdom, or benefit that may have come from it is solely due to the mercy and guidance of Allah ﷻ. I ask Allah ﷻ to forgive me for any errors and to accept this effort from me, and I pray that He grants us all the strength to continuously strive for His pleasure.
