Unmodern Aspects of Islam (2): The Cult of Busyness

 

Do you ever feel like life has become one endless to-do list? Emails, meetings, deadlines—hustle harder, they say. Success is measured by how busy you look, not by how meaningful your life actually is. We rush from task to task, but when the day ends, we wonder: did I really live today—or just survive it?

 This cult of busyness is draining us. Stress levels are higher than ever. Families have less time together. Friendships dissolve because “everyone’s too busy.” Even our health collapses under the weight of nonstop work. Ironically, the harder we chase productivity, the more empty and restless we feel inside.

Islam does not glorify constant busyness. The Qur’an reminds us:
“We did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play. We created them only in truth…” (Qur’an 44:38–39)
Life has purpose, not just activity.

The Prophet ﷺ balanced worship, work, and rest. He told his Companion Abdullah ibn Amr:
“Your Lord has a right over you, your self has a right over you, and your family has a right over you. So give each their due.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1968)

The early Muslims weren’t idle, but neither were they enslaved by work. They lived with rhythm—prayer structured their day, work gave them dignity, family gave them joy, and rest gave them strength. This balance produced healthier bodies, calmer minds, and stronger communities. They achieved greatness without burning out.

What if we reclaimed this Prophetic balance? Instead of chasing every opportunity, choose what truly matters. Schedule your prayers first, then your work. Protect family time like you protect deadlines. And never forget to rest—because recharging is part of worship too.

The world tells you to hustle harder. Islam tells you to live with balance. That’s not laziness—it’s wisdom.

So tonight, pause and ask yourself: are you just busy… or are you truly alive?