Seize the Moment: 5 Blessings to Cherish Before They're Gone

The phrase “Take five before five” in Islam originates from a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It serves as a reminder to value and make the best use of certain blessings before circumstances change. The full Hadith is:

“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.”

(Reported by al-Hakim and others)

Explanation of the Five:

1. Youth before old age

• Youth is a time of energy, strength, and enthusiasm. This period should be used to worship Allah, seek knowledge, and establish good habits before the decline in strength and opportunities that come with old age.

2. Health before illness

• Good health allows a person to perform acts of worship, work, and engage in beneficial activities. Illness can limit one’s abilities, so it is important to make the most of good health while it lasts.

3. Wealth before poverty

• Wealth is a resource that can be used to support oneself, help others, and invest in good deeds. Poverty may restrict these opportunities, so wealth should be spent wisely and charitably.

4. Free time before preoccupation

• Free time is a blessing that allows a person to engage in self-improvement, worship, and meaningful pursuits. Once life becomes busy, these opportunities may diminish.

5. Life before death

• Life is the ultimate opportunity to earn Allah’s pleasure and prepare for the Hereafter. After death, a person’s actions come to an end, so every moment of life should be cherished and used productively.

This saying emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the fleeting nature of life and using our blessings wisely to seek the pleasure of Allah.