We’ve all stood in front of the broken clock.
That haunting moment when you realise how much time has passed—how many days were wasted, how many chances slipped, how many mornings you said “tomorrow”… and tomorrow never came.
That guilt? It’s real. That ache in your chest? That’s your soul remembering it was made for more.
But here’s the truth—straight from the words of Imam Ali (as):
“One of the signs of nobility, dignity, and worthiness in a person is that he weeps over the time that he has lost.”
(A’lam al-Din, vol. 1, p. 179)
So if you feel it… if the tears come quietly at night when no one sees…
You’re not broken.
You’re awakening.
Time Was Never Meant to Be Taken for Granted
Time is the most precious asset you’ve ever owned—and yet it slips through your fingers like sand. The tragedy isn’t just that we waste it; it’s that we waste it unaware.
And then one day, we wake up.
We look back, horrified, and whisper:
“What did I do with all those years?”
But it’s not too late.
Sadness Without Depression. Guilt Without Paralysis.
What does it mean to “weep” over lost time?
It’s not about spiralling into despair.
It’s not about shame that leaves you numb.
It’s grief with purpose—a noble concern, a sacred sorrow. You’re not crying over missed promotions or worldly milestones. You’re mourning a deeper loss: the hours that could’ve been spent pleasing God, elevating your soul, changing your destiny.
That’s not weakness. That’s the beginning of your revival.
There Is Still Time… And It’s Priceless
Imam Ali (as) said:
“The remainder of a believer’s life is priceless. With it, he can make up for what has been lost and bring back to life what has passed.”
Let that sink in. You can revive what you thought was dead.
You can bring meaning to wasted time by using what remains with purpose.
And here’s the secret: the time you still have? It’s worth more than everything you lost.
Because now…
You see its value.
You’ve felt the loss.
You’ve wept for it.
You’re ready.
A Vision Full of Hope
With this perspective, despair has no place. It’s not about perfection. It’s about direction.
No matter how many “laters” you’ve used as excuses, the moment you say “now”, the future becomes possible again.
So stop asking, “Is it too late?”
Instead ask: “What can I do with what I still have?”
Because what you still have… is enough.
Rise. Reclaim. Revive.
You need two wings to fly:
The wing of fear — to grieve what’s been lost.
The wing of hope — to cherish what remains.
Let them carry you.
Let them lift you.
Fly toward the path that was always meant for you.
You’re not too late.
But you’re not early either.
So go now.
Before “later” becomes “never”… again.
Source: Ali Reza Panahian