The contemporary experience of time often feels like a relentless rush. Days seem to blend into weeks, weeks into months, and years vanish in a blink, leaving many to ponder, “Where did the time go?” This pervasive sensation of time accelerating is not merely a modern psychological phenomenon; Islamic teachings offer profound insights into this very experience. Through the sacred words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the interpretations of esteemed scholars, Islam connects this feeling to deeper spiritual realities and significant signs of the approaching Day of Judgment. This report will delve into what Islamic texts convey about the acceleration of time and explore the profound implications these insights hold for daily life and the spiritual journey of believers.

The Prophetic Foretelling: Time as a Sign of the Hour

A central theme in Islamic eschatology, the study of the end times, is the concept of time accelerating. This phenomenon is explicitly foretold as a major sign of the Hour, or Al-Sa’ah (the Day of Judgment). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “The Hour will not begin until time passes quickly, so a year will be like a month, and a month will be like a week, and a week will be like a day, and a day will be like an hour, and an hour will be like the burning of a braid of palm leaves”.¹ This prophetic statement, found in various authentic narrations, underscores a profound shift in the human experience of temporal progression as the world nears its end.³ The “Hour” refers to the Day of Judgment, a pivotal event in Islamic belief marking the end of the world and the beginning of eternal accountability before Allah (God).⁴

This sign of time acceleration is not an isolated prophecy; it is frequently mentioned alongside other significant minor signs of the Day of Judgment. These signs collectively depict the state of the world as the Hour draws near. Other indicators include the taking away of religious knowledge, often through the demise of learned scholars, an increase in earthquakes, the widespread appearance of tribulations (fitan), a rise in senseless killing (haraj), and an abundance of wealth.¹ The consistent pairing of time acceleration with these other signs suggests a deep interconnectedness. When religious knowledge diminishes, when societal chaos and violence prevail, and when people become engrossed in worldly pursuits, their spiritual focus inevitably weakens. This spiritual decline can directly impact how individuals perceive and utilize time. If life becomes chaotic, distracted, and devoid of spiritual purpose, the days can indeed feel unproductive and fleeting, leading to the

experience of time speeding up. This indicates that the quickening of time is not merely a standalone physical or temporal anomaly, but a profound spiritual and societal symptom, reflecting a period of intensified trials and a diminished capacity for meaningful engagement with life, unless individuals consciously resist these trends. It is a reflection of the spiritual state of the ummah (global Muslim community) and humanity at large.

The proximity of the Day of Judgment is also emphasized in Islamic teachings. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself indicated its closeness, stating, “I have been sent as close to the Hour as these two,” holding up his two fingers together.⁷ This highlights that humanity is living in the “end times” where these prophetic signs are increasingly manifest. The very act of the Prophet (peace be upon him) conveying these signs, including the acceleration of time, serves as a clear divine warning. If time feels like it is speeding up, and this is a known sign of the Hour, it inherently creates a sense of spiritual urgency. This urgency is not intended to incite panic or despair, but rather to prompt profound introspection and a re-evaluation of one’s life priorities and actions. The Quran also emphasizes that the Hour will come suddenly and at a decreed time, which cannot be hastened or delayed.⁸ The primary purpose of revealing these signs is to awaken believers from heedlessness, encouraging them to prepare diligently for the Hereafter by maximizing their time in this worldly life, rather than merely observing the signs passively. This serves as a profound call to spiritual readiness.

Unpacking the Meaning: What “Time Passing Quickly” Truly Means

While some discussions might entertain the idea of a literal physical alteration in Earth’s rotation, as briefly mentioned in some online discussions ¹, the overwhelming consensus among Islamic scholars interprets the “quickening of time” primarily as a spiritual and experiential phenomenon. It is important to distinguish this prophetic sign from specific divine miracles, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous nocturnal journey (Isra and Mi’raj), where space and time were compressed by divine power (ṭayy al-arḍ, “the folding of the earth”).⁹ That was a unique event, whereas the Hadith on time acceleration refers to a general condition of the end times.

The most widely accepted and profound interpretation of time passing quickly is the loss of Barakah (blessing) in time. Barakah is a central Islamic concept referring to divine blessings, abundance, and increase. It is not merely about quantity but about the quality, spiritual fulfillment, and lasting impact of something.¹⁰ When

Barakah is present, little effort can yield significant results; when it is absent, much effort can achieve little.¹⁰

Eminent scholars have elaborated on this concept. Imam al-Nawawi, following the opinion of ‘Iyadh and others, held that the meaning of time passing quickly is due to the loss of blessing in time.² He explained that “a whole day of doing beneficial deeds would feel equivalent to only an hour of doing so”.² This means that despite having the same 24 hours, people feel less productive, accomplish less, and time seems to slip away without significant spiritual or worldly gain.² Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani also cited opinions suggesting the shortening of age or the rapid succession of events, which contribute to the

feeling of time quickening.²

The Hadith’s vivid comparisons, such as “a year like a month” or “a day like an hour,” describe a feeling or perception rather than a literal, measurable alteration of cosmic time. This implies that the quickening is largely subjective, tied to human consciousness and spiritual condition. When individuals are distracted, lack purpose, or are engrossed in fleeting worldly matters, their time feels unproductive and vanishes quickly, aligning perfectly with the concept of lost Barakah. This explains why two individuals can experience the same duration of time, yet one feels it flew by unproductively while the other feels they achieved much. The “quickening” is thus a spiritual symptom, a reflection of humanity’s detachment from divine purpose. It serves as a profound call for introspection: if time feels fast, it is a sign to critically examine how moments are being invested and whether one is truly living purposefully.

The diminishing Barakah in time is often connected to human actions and spiritual states in the end times. This includes wasting time on unimportant, trivial, or unbeneficial actions and pursuits.² There is also a general decrease in righteous deeds and a lack of focus on the Hereafter ², coupled with people becoming heedless of their obligations towards Allah.¹² Excessive immersion in transient worldly entertainment and possessions can also lead to a loss of purpose.¹³ The research explicitly links wasting time to depression, describing it as feeling “like an animal that eats so it can sleep, and sleeps so it can eat”.¹² Furthermore, the temporal nature of this world, if not understood through the lens of the eternal Hereafter, can inevitably lead to existential crisis, anxiety (

hamm), and grief (ḥuzn).¹³ If time is perceived as fleeting, unproductive, and devoid of

Barakah, it can result in a profound sense of meaninglessness and despair. The spiritual vacuum created by misused time directly impacts mental and emotional well-being. The quickening of time, understood as a loss of Barakah, is therefore not just an eschatological sign but also a significant psychological and spiritual challenge for individuals. It underscores the critical importance of a purposeful life, aligned with divine commandments, as the antidote to inner turmoil and a means to achieve true happiness in both this life and the Hereafter.

The Importance of Time in Islam: A Divine Trust

In Islam, time is not merely a linear progression of moments but is regarded as a sacred trust and one of the most valuable blessings bestowed by Allah. It is a finite, non-renewable resource that, once passed, can never be regained.¹¹ Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted this profound truth, stating, “There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good”.¹¹ This Hadith underscores how frequently individuals fail to appreciate and effectively utilize these invaluable gifts.

The immense significance of time is powerfully conveyed in Surah Al-Asr (Chapter 103 of the Quran), where Allah swears by time itself: “By time, (1) Indeed, mankind is in loss, (2) Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (3)”.² This concise yet profound Surah serves as a universal warning: humanity is inherently in a state of loss unless individuals actively invest their time in four crucial areas: firm belief (Iman), righteous deeds, mutual advising towards truth, and mutual advising towards patience. Time is the very arena where this loss or salvation occurs.¹¹

The fundamental purpose of human existence in Islam is to worship and serve Allah.¹¹ Time is the essential medium through which this ultimate purpose is fulfilled. Every breath, every moment, is an opportunity to draw closer to the Creator through obedience and good deeds. As the Quran states, “I have only created Jinns and Men that they may serve Me” (Quran 51:56).¹¹ This understanding transforms time from a mere duration into a precious opportunity for eternal accomplishment.¹¹

Islamic texts consistently frame time not as a neutral duration but as a limited “capital” or “investment opportunity” for earning success and reward in the eternal afterlife.¹¹ Wasting time is explicitly likened to “someone investing his capital impulsively and not using it to generate profit”.¹¹ This elevates the concept of time beyond mere worldly productivity to a spiritual currency that determines one’s eternal destiny. The quickening of time, therefore, implies a faster depletion of this spiritual capital, making it even more critically important for believers to be deliberate, efficient, and purposeful in accumulating good deeds and spiritual growth before their allocated “time runs out” in this world. This shifts the focus from earthly achievements to eternal gains.

The profound emphasis on time’s intrinsic value and its fleeting nature ⁵ leads directly to the concept of accountability. Every individual will be questioned about how they spent their life and time. The warning against “looking back on time with regret” ⁵ powerfully underscores the irreversible nature of missed opportunities. This creates a strong internal motivational factor for believers to act with intention. The feeling of time passing quickly thus serves as a constant, internal reminder of impending accountability, urging believers to proactively engage in beneficial actions and avoid heedlessness, ensuring that their limited time is a source of reward rather than regret on the Day of Judgment.

Reclaiming Our Time: Practical Steps to Seek Barakah

If the quickening of time is largely due to a loss of Barakah, then the practical solution for believers is to actively strive to restore and invite blessings back into their lives and time. This is not about physically slowing down the clock, but about making the most of every moment and enriching its quality.

To cultivate Barakah and make time more meaningful, several actionable strategies can be adopted:

• Prioritizing Worship and Connecting with Allah: Early rising is highly encouraged, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Allah made the early hours blessed for my Ummah”.¹⁴ The immense benefits of waking up for Fajr prayer and staying awake afterward for remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), Quran recitation, and planning the day are emphasized. This practice sets a blessed tone for the entire day.¹⁴ Additionally, organizing one’s daily schedule around the five prescribed prayers instills discipline, provides regular spiritual anchors, and serves as a constant reminder of one’s ultimate purpose. As ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) advised, “The one who guards his prayer will be sure to guard everything else”.¹⁴
• Seeking Knowledge and Reciting Quran: Actively pursuing religious knowledge helps to counter the sign of knowledge being taken away.⁵ Reading the Quran regularly is a direct means of inviting Barakah into one’s time, as the pious predecessors found immense productivity through consistent recitation.¹⁴
• Engaging in Good Deeds and Beneficial Pursuits: Time should be utilized for developing good character, helping family and community, giving charity, and any actions that are pleasing to Allah.¹⁰ The goal is to be productive in a meaningful way, focusing on quality over mere quantity of activities.¹⁴
• Making Dua (Supplication): Directly asking Allah to bless and expand one’s time is a powerful act of reliance and a direct means of inviting Barakah.¹⁴
• Consciously Avoiding Wasteful Activities: It is crucial to be mindful of how time is spent. Actively avoiding “useless things,” “trivial matters,” and activities that lead to sin or spiritual emptiness is essential.² This includes limiting excessive screen time or entertainment that distracts from one’s divine purpose.¹²
• Cultivating Positive Spiritual States: Embracing gratitude (hamd), patience (ṣabr), contentment (riḍā), and a firm belief in divine destiny (imān bil qadar) are vital. These states attract Allah’s blessings and provide inner peace amidst life’s challenges.¹⁰

These actions not only invite Barakah but also serve as powerful antidotes to the depression, anxiety, and existential dread that can arise from a lack of purpose and wasted time.¹² A life aligned with divine purpose brings clarity, contentment, and true fulfillment.¹³ The Hadith about time quickening is not a fatalistic prophecy to be passively observed; rather, it is a dynamic call to action. The remedies and strategies provided, such as seeking

Barakah through worship, knowledge, and good deeds, are all proactive spiritual disciplines. This suggests that while the sign itself may be an external reality, an individual’s response to it is internal, volitional, and transformative. Believers are empowered to influence their own experience of time and its blessings. The feeling of time quickening should thus serve as a spiritual alarm clock, prompting a conscious return to core Islamic practices and a re-evaluation of personal priorities. This transforms a potential source of despair or confusion into a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and increased devotion.

While many signs of the Hour are collective and global phenomena, such as widespread killings, increased earthquakes, and societal turmoil, the loss of Barakah and the feeling of time quickening are also deeply personal and experiential. This means that even if the broader world is in a state of chaos and time feels universally accelerated, an individual can still strive to reclaim Barakah in their own life and time. This highlights the profound concept of individual responsibility and agency within a larger eschatological framework. The Islamic perspective offers a powerful message of hope and empowerment: even amidst the challenges of the end times, individuals can cultivate inner peace, spiritual richness, and meaningful productivity by focusing on their relationship with Allah and living a purposeful life, thereby mitigating the negative effects of lost Barakah.

Conclusion

The widely shared feeling of time passing quickly is indeed a prophetic sign of the approaching Day of Judgment in Islam. This phenomenon is primarily understood by Islamic scholars as a loss of Barakah (blessing) in time, stemming from humanity’s spiritual state, heedlessness, and misuse of this precious divine gift.

To counter this loss and prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter, believers are encouraged to reflect deeply on their relationship with time. Valuing time as a divine trust, investing it wisely in acts of worship, seeking beneficial knowledge, and performing righteous deeds are the most effective paths to reclaiming its blessings. Allah is the ultimate source of all blessings, and by striving sincerely in His path, individuals can transform their experience of time, finding profound peace, purpose, and true success in this fleeting world and the everlasting Hereafter.