What are you waiting for?

﷽

Photo by Filip Urban on Unsplash

Sitting here in the hospital, tethered to machines and bound by a schedule not my own, I’ve been reflecting on the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.”

For most of my life, I’ve enjoyed good health—no major crises that made me confront my mortality. But now, facing a condition that could be life-threatening if not successfully treated, InShaaAllah, I see the reality of this hadith more clearly than ever. Sickness has followed my health, and busyness has overtaken my free time in ways I never imagined.

Hospital life is not restful. It’s not the quiet, reflective space some think it might be. Every moment is dictated by others—lights on, lights off, medication schedules, and vital checks. Even my Salah and sleep are disrupted. The only time I truly have for myself is during my recommended walks through the halls.

This forced pause has made me ask myself: What are you waiting for? There were so many things I wanted to do but kept putting off. And now, I’ve realized that when you truly want to do something for the sake of Allah, you don’t procrastinate. You take action, trusting Him with the outcome.

This week, I want to challenge you:

1. Write down three things you’ve been procrastinating on.

2. Realign each of them with how you can do it for the sake of Allah.

3. Choose one and create an action plan. Set a start date, realistic deadlines, and small milestones to guide you forward.

Think like a gardener sowing seeds. Your role is to plant with sincerity and effort, leaving the harvest to Allah. Don’t wait for perfect health, the ideal moment, or more time. Start now. Because when your time comes—and it will—what will you be waiting for?

Much love 💕

Nour Cauveren