We often find ourselves trapped in the regrets of the past or the fears of the future. But the reality is that both the past and future are beyond our control. What has passed has passed, and whatever is to come is uncertain. Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Qur'an:
“And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Surah Luqman, 31:34).
The past is gone and cannot be undone. Grieving over it or trying to change it is futile. The Prophet (ﷺ) cautioned us about this: "Do not grieve over what has passed, and do not rejoice over what has been promised to you." (Sahih Muslim). This is a reminder that our focus should not be on what we cannot alter.
Regret over past mistakes or missed opportunities is something many of us struggle with. We often forget that Allah is the Most Merciful, and He has given us the chance to change at any moment, regardless of what has happened before. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When a servant of Allah repents, Allah forgives him, and Allah loves those who repent.” (Sahih Muslim).
No matter what has passed, repentance is always open to us. Allah says in the Qur'an:
“Say: O My servants who have harmed yourselves by your own actions, do not despair of Allah's mercy. Allah forgives all sins; He is truly the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53).
The Salaf, such as Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah), understood this reality well. He stated: "The one who is trapped by his past is like someone who is stuck in a prison. He can never move forward. The past is a lesson, not a prison." Focus on what can be learned from the past, but do not let it hold you captive. Imam al-Ghazali (rahimahullah) also emphasized that "The past is a teacher, not a warden." You can always take lessons from your mistakes, but don’t let them define you.
On the other hand, worrying about the future is equally futile. The future is in the hands of Allah, and our worries can never alter what has been decreed. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:
“And [the disbelievers] plan, but Allah also plans, and Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:54).
This ayah reminds us that Allah’s plan is always better than ours. The Prophet (ﷺ) beautifully put this into perspective when he said:
“If you ask Allah for something, you should be sure that He will answer you, but either in the way you expect or in a way that you don’t understand, but it will be better for you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This hadith teaches us to place our trust in Allah’s wisdom. Worrying about what might happen in the future only robs us of the blessings of the present.
The most important moment is the one you are in right now. Focus on the present. The Prophet (ﷺ) reminded us in his advice to one of the Companions, Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), saying:
“Live for today as if you are a stranger or a traveler on the road.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This hadith teaches us to focus on what we can control today, without being burdened by the past or the future. The present moment is your opportunity to earn good deeds, make du’a, and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said:
“The one who is able to live in the present, cherishing each moment, will be able to succeed in this life and the next.”
The Salaf were known for their intense focus on the present. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi (rahimahullah) said: "The past is gone and cannot be recalled, the future is hidden, and so the only thing that remains is the present. Make use of it before it slips away."
One of the key aspects of living in the present moment is trusting in Allah’s plan. Allah says in the Qur'an:
“Say: 'Nothing will befall us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:51).
Complete reliance on Allah means letting go of unnecessary worry and trusting that Allah will take care of the future. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When you ask, ask Allah; when you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi).
This hadith emphasizes that our reliance should always be on Allah, and no matter what happens, we should trust in His wisdom.
“And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Surah Luqman, 31:34).
The past is gone and cannot be undone. Grieving over it or trying to change it is futile. The Prophet (ﷺ) cautioned us about this: "Do not grieve over what has passed, and do not rejoice over what has been promised to you." (Sahih Muslim). This is a reminder that our focus should not be on what we cannot alter.
Letting Go of the Past
Regret over past mistakes or missed opportunities is something many of us struggle with. We often forget that Allah is the Most Merciful, and He has given us the chance to change at any moment, regardless of what has happened before. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When a servant of Allah repents, Allah forgives him, and Allah loves those who repent.” (Sahih Muslim).
No matter what has passed, repentance is always open to us. Allah says in the Qur'an:
“Say: O My servants who have harmed yourselves by your own actions, do not despair of Allah's mercy. Allah forgives all sins; He is truly the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53).
The Salaf, such as Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah), understood this reality well. He stated: "The one who is trapped by his past is like someone who is stuck in a prison. He can never move forward. The past is a lesson, not a prison." Focus on what can be learned from the past, but do not let it hold you captive. Imam al-Ghazali (rahimahullah) also emphasized that "The past is a teacher, not a warden." You can always take lessons from your mistakes, but don’t let them define you.
Don't Fear the Future
On the other hand, worrying about the future is equally futile. The future is in the hands of Allah, and our worries can never alter what has been decreed. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:
“And [the disbelievers] plan, but Allah also plans, and Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:54).
This ayah reminds us that Allah’s plan is always better than ours. The Prophet (ﷺ) beautifully put this into perspective when he said:
“If you ask Allah for something, you should be sure that He will answer you, but either in the way you expect or in a way that you don’t understand, but it will be better for you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This hadith teaches us to place our trust in Allah’s wisdom. Worrying about what might happen in the future only robs us of the blessings of the present.
Living in the Present
The most important moment is the one you are in right now. Focus on the present. The Prophet (ﷺ) reminded us in his advice to one of the Companions, Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), saying:
“Live for today as if you are a stranger or a traveler on the road.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This hadith teaches us to focus on what we can control today, without being burdened by the past or the future. The present moment is your opportunity to earn good deeds, make du’a, and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said:
“The one who is able to live in the present, cherishing each moment, will be able to succeed in this life and the next.”
The Salaf were known for their intense focus on the present. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi (rahimahullah) said: "The past is gone and cannot be recalled, the future is hidden, and so the only thing that remains is the present. Make use of it before it slips away."
Relying on Allah’s Will
One of the key aspects of living in the present moment is trusting in Allah’s plan. Allah says in the Qur'an:
“Say: 'Nothing will befall us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:51).
Complete reliance on Allah means letting go of unnecessary worry and trusting that Allah will take care of the future. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When you ask, ask Allah; when you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi).
This hadith emphasizes that our reliance should always be on Allah, and no matter what happens, we should trust in His wisdom.
