FRIDAY SERMON: The Value of Time – A Purposeful Journey from Service to Retirement
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds peace and blessings be upon the Leader of all prophets and Messenger, upon his family and Companions.
Mohammad younis Bhat (Zahid)
Life is a great trust granted by Almighty Allah, and every moment of it is a test. Human life can be divided into two major phases: during service and after retirement. If both phases are lived with integrity, wisdom, and positivity, a person can achieve success and become a role model for society.
During Service — A Period of Trust and Responsibility
The service period is a test in which authority, resources, and responsibilities are entrusted to a person.
- Trust and Protection of Public Wealth (Bait-ul-Mal)
Government resources—such as vehicles, offices, staff, and facilities—are not personal property but a public trust (Bait-ul-Mal).
Misusing them for personal benefit is a breach of trust.
The Companions of the Prophet (RA) set remarkable examples:
Hazrat Umar (RA) was extremely careful with public resources and held himself accountable even for minor matters.
Hazrat Usman (RA) is reported to have extinguished a state-funded lamp when attending to personal matters, ensuring that public resources were not used privately.
These examples teach us the highest standards of accountability.
Service to Humanity
Use your authority to serve people, not for personal gain. A good officer creates ease, not hardship.
Integrity with Wisdom
Honesty alone is not enough; it must be combined with wisdom and flexibility to ensure smooth functioning.
Value of Time
Time is a precious asset that never returns once lost.
A Thought-Provoking Example
A man once said to a waiter:
“Bring me a plate of past time.”
The waiter replied:
“Sir, I cannot serve the past, but I can offer you a hot plate of regret.”
This reminds us that wasted time leads to regret.
Islamic Perspective — Balance Between Faith and Worldly Life
Islam teaches us to uphold trust, honesty, and justice at all times:
The Qur’an commands delivering trusts to rightful owners
Hadith emphasizes honesty as part of faith
The Companions (RA) treated worldly duties as acts of worship
They maintained a perfect balance between faith and worldly responsibilities.
Retirement — A New Chapter
Retirement is not the end but the beginning of a new phase.
It is often said that a person experiences “two deaths”:
- Retirement — when authority and position end
- Actual death
This reflects a psychological reality.
The Younger Generation and the Challenge of Old Age
Today, many young people neglect elders,
leading to loneliness and depression among retirees.
A major reason behind this is distance from faith and lack of patience.
Message for Youth
Remember:
Elders are a great blessing in our homes
Their experience is our asset
Serving them is a source of success
Those who are old today were once young… and the young will one day be old.
A Meaningful Life After Retirement
Continue social service
Guide younger generations
Focus on spirituality
Spend time with family
True success lies in fulfilling responsibilities in every phase of life.
If we practice honesty, trustworthiness, and service during our careers,
retirement becomes a life of peace, dignity, and fulfillment rather than regret.
And Allah knows best
(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE Makahmadina11@gmail.com)
The author has beautifully elaborated past & future by giving family touch between young & old and beautifully concluded