[Q]: A commonly used phrase among the youth of today is “killing time”, by which they mean engaging in any activity merely for amusement and entertainment, instead of remaining idle. What is your view concerning this practice? May Allāh bless you.

Shaykh Ṣāliḥ b. Fawzān answers:

[A]: This is a loss they have incurred upon themselves. Time should not be ‘killed’ as it is extremely precious and valuable. Instead, it should be utilised to engage in that which proffers benefit, whether religious or worldly. It should not be ‘killed.’ Allāh—the Majestic, the High—said:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَالْعَصْرِ

“In the Name of Allāh, The Most-Merciful (to His creation), the Ever-Merciful (to His believing servants). By (the phenomenon of) time.”
[Al-ʿAṣr, 103:1]

Allāh swears by time, due to its importance and significance, as Allāh only swears by that which is significant and valuable.

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

“Indeed, all of mankind is in loss.”
[Al-ʿAṣr, 103:1]

The one who wastes his time is in a state of loss. Allāh says:

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ

“All of mankind…”
[Al-ʿAṣr, 103:1]

This is irrespective of whether they are a king, scholar, pauper, or entrepreneur; all of them are in a state of loss, with the exception of those whom Allāh has described with four characteristics.

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

1. “Except those who believe”: this is the first characteristic.
2. “And work righteous deeds”: this is the second.
3. “And mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth”: this is the third.
4. “And mutually advise each other with patience”: this is the fourth.

Whoever embodies these four characteristics will be saved from being in a state of loss on the Day of Judgement. Whoever lacks some or all of these qualities, will truly be among the losers. Imām al-Shāfīʿī—may Allāh have mercy upon him—said: “Had Allāh not revealed except this chapter as a proof and argument upon His creation, it would surely have sufficed them [as an encouragement to adhere to His religion].”^[1]