By Kabir Alabi Garba

In the Name of the Almighty, the Beneficent, the Merciful

“By Al-‘Asr. Verily, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, encourage one another to truth, and encourage one another to patience.” Qur’an 103:1–3

Brethren, the fifth month of Muslim lunar calendar, Jumaada al-Ulaa is here. Its commencement on Monday, October 12, 2026 is a reminder that the end of our sojourn on the surface of earth is fast approaching. So, the month offers a sobering reminder that life is fleeting, accountability is inevitable, and faith must translate into righteous deeds, justice and compassion.

While the Islamic calendar moves from one month to another, millions of people remain consumed by the pursuit of wealth, power, status and worldly pleasures, often forgetting the certainty that one day they will stand before their Creator to account for their deeds.

This is the sobering message that Jumaada al-Ulaa offers us as Muslims: time is running out, death is inevitable, and the most important question is not how much we have accumulated, but how well we have lived.

Known also as Jumaada al-Awwal, the month provides an opportunity for Muslims to reassess our relationship with Allah, reflect on the passage of time and renew our commitment to the principles of Islam.

Although no special prayer, fast or religious ritual is prescribed specifically for this month, its arrival presents another opportunity to embrace the timeless teachings of the Qur’an and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Indeed, the significance of a month should not be measured merely by its position on the calendar, but by the lessons believers draw from it and the positive changes they make in their lives.

Perhaps no reminder of human vulnerability is more profound than the passage of time. Wealth can be regained, businesses can be rebuilt, and lost opportunities may sometimes return. Time, however, once spent, can never be recovered.

Allah (SWT) draws attention to this reality in Qur’an 103:1–3, declaring: “By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, encourage one another to truth, and encourage one another to patience.”

This short but powerful chapter offers a comprehensive guide to a meaningful life. It establishes that faith alone must be accompanied by righteous conduct, a commitment to truth and the patience required to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

The message is particularly relevant in an age when people measure success largely by material possessions, professional achievements and social influence. These pursuits are not inherently wrong, but they become dangerous when they displace spiritual responsibility, moral discipline and concern for others.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) warned about the careless use of time and health, saying: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.”

How many people postpone repentance because they assume they have years ahead of them? How many neglect their religious obligations in pursuit of business, only to discover that wealth cannot purchase another day of life? How many relationships remain broken because pride prevents reconciliation? Jumaada al-Ulaa should therefore inspire every Muslim to examine personal priorities and consider whether time is being invested in pursuits that will bring lasting benefit.

Another challenge facing many believers is the tendency to approach religion with temporary enthusiasm rather than sustained commitment. Some become more devoted during Ramadan, increase their charitable activities during particular seasons or turn to prayer when confronted by personal difficulties, only to return to old habits when circumstances improve.

Islam, however, teaches consistency in worship and righteousness. When asked about the deeds most beloved to Allah, the Prophet replied that they are those performed consistently, even if they are few.

This teaching challenges Muslims to move beyond occasional displays of devotion towards a lifestyle characterised by regular prayer, engagement with the Qur’an, honesty, charity and good character.

The arrival of Jumaada al-Ulaa should not be an invitation to invent religious observances that have no established basis in Islamic teachings. Rather, it should encourage Muslims to strengthen acts of worship already prescribed by the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Protecting the five daily prayers, reading the Qur’an regularly, maintaining family ties, assisting vulnerable people and seeking forgiveness are among the practical steps through which believers can make their lives more meaningful.

The lesson is simple: righteousness is not merely about what a person does during a special season, but what that person consistently becomes.

For millions of people, the passage of time brings not only reflection but also anxiety about the future. Economic hardship, unemployment, rising living costs, insecurity and family difficulties continue to test the resilience of individuals and communities.

In such circumstances, Islam provides a framework for patience, hope and responsible action.
Allah says in Qur’an 2V155-156: “And give good news to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”

Patience in Islam is not passive resignation. It is the determination to remain faithful to Allah, preserve one’s moral principles and pursue legitimate solutions despite adversity.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) explained this principle in a Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim (2999), describing the affair of the believer as wonderful because both prosperity and hardship can become sources of good: the believer gives thanks when blessed and exercises patience when tested.

This teaching has profound implications for contemporary society. Financial difficulties must not become an excuse for fraud, corruption or exploitation. Political disagreements must not justify violence, while personal disappointment should not extinguish compassion for others. Muslims must combine prayer with diligence, patience with action, and trust in Allah with a willingness to confront injustice through lawful and constructive means.

In Nigeria today, where many households continue to face economic pressures and communities grapple with insecurity and social divisions, this message is particularly urgent. Religious devotion must inspire honesty, resilience, mutual assistance and a commitment to the common good.

Perhaps the most uncomfortable subject in human existence is death. People readily discuss business opportunities, political ambitions, property acquisitions and retirement plans, but often avoid confronting the reality that their earthly journey will eventually end. The Qur’an (chapter 3:185) leaves no room for doubt: “Every soul will taste death.”

The certainty of death makes accountability one of the central themes of Islamic belief. Life is not an endless opportunity to accumulate possessions or pursue personal gratification; it is a trust for which every individual will ultimately answer before Allah.

In the Qur’an, believers are urged to be conscious of accountability: “O you who believe, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow” (Qur’an 59:18).

This verse invites a searching examination of personal conduct. What have we done with our lives? Whose rights have we violated? What obligations have we neglected? What good have we contributed to society? And what preparations have we made for the Hereafter?

These are questions that should trouble the conscience of every believer.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) also explained that when a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child who prays for him.

The significance of this teaching extends beyond personal piety. It encourages Muslims to invest in lasting benefits for humanity: establishing charitable projects, educating others, supporting useful institutions and raising children who will contribute positively to society.

A meaningful legacy is not measured only by the wealth accumulated or the offices occupied during one’s lifetime. It is also measured by the good that continues after one’s departure.

For this reason, the reflection encouraged by Jumaada al-Ulaa should translate into practical action: settling outstanding debts, honouring agreements, restoring the rights of others, reconciling with estranged relatives and seeking forgiveness for past wrongs.

Repentance must not be postponed indefinitely on the assumption that another opportunity will always come.

One of the most damaging contradictions in society is the gap between professed religious commitment and actual behaviour. A person may pray regularly, fast faithfully and speak eloquently about Islamic values, yet cheat customers, exploit workers, abuse public office, spread falsehoods or mistreat family members. Such conduct undermines the moral purpose of worship.

Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity towards relatives in Qur’an 16:90. These principles are not confined to the mosque; they must shape conduct in homes, markets, offices, public institutions and political life.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.”

This teaching places responsibility at the heart of religious identity. A believer should not be a source of fear, oppression or avoidable suffering to others.

Brothers and sisters in Islam, this calls for renewed commitment to integrity in business, fairness in leadership, responsible parenting, peaceful coexistence and assistance to the vulnerable.

Ethnic, political or religious differences must never become excuses for denying people their rights. Nor should religious identity be used to shield wrongdoing from criticism or accountability.

Mosques should remain centres of worship and learning, but the values cultivated within them must extend into the wider community. A society cannot prosper sustainably when religious observance flourishes alongside corruption, injustice and indifference to human suffering.

Jumaada al-Ulaa therefore offers an opportunity to examine whether our religious practices are producing the character and conduct that Islam demands.

The arrival of another month will mean little if it produces no meaningful change in the lives of believers. Reflection must lead to decisions, and decisions must translate into action.