The Secret Life of Time
We live in a world overflowing with life—birds, trees, rivers, even the stars seem to move with purpose. But what if one of the most alive things in your world… is something you can’t see?
Time is alive.
Yes—time. It moves, it breathes, it testifies. It’s not just a passive measure but a living witness to everything we do.
Time Records Your Deeds
Imam Sadiq (AS) revealed a profound reality when he said:
“No day comes upon the son of Adam without that day saying: O son of Adam! I am a new day, and I will testify against you. So speak good words and do righteous deeds in me, so that I may testify on your behalf on the Day of Resurrection. For after this, you will never see me again.”
— Tuhaf al-Uqul, vol. 1, p. 381
Each day is a new opportunity—and a new witness. And once it leaves you, it never returns. Except on the Day of Judgment, when it either speaks for you or against you.
A Reality Stranger Than Fiction
It might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but this is real. The world is filled with secrets like this, and time is one of its most astonishing ones.
If we could hear each day whisper:
“You will never see me again…”
…wouldn’t we live differently?
Wouldn’t we stop wasting time, holding grudges, delaying good deeds?
You Can Talk to Time, Too
It’s not just that time speaks—we can speak back.
Imam Ali (AS) used to welcome every night with the words:
“Welcome, O new night! O writer who is a witness over me! Begin writing my deeds in the name of God.”
Then he would begin to remember God and say:
“Bear witness that I am remembering God.”
— Kafi, vol. 2, p. 136
Imagine living with this kind of awareness. Imagine each day as a living guest, recording your choices—not just passing you by.
You Worry About Rizq—but Not Time?
God says in a tradition:
“O son of Adam! Your sustenance is given to you, but you are sorrowful. However, each day a portion of your life is taken away—and you feel no sorrow!”
We stress over wealth, income, promotions… but every single day, a part of us is being taken away. Why don’t we worry about that?
We plan our finances better than our akhirah.
Take Time Seriously
Time is not something to “manage.” It’s something to honour.
“Time is serious. So let’s take it seriously.”
— @PanahianEN
Treat every second like it’s writing your story. Because it is.
Final Reflection:
If today was alive—and it is—what would it say about you?
“You’ll never see me again.”
Source: Ali Reza Panahian