31 January, 2026
One important lesson I’ve learned in life is that if I don’t complete my plan for the day before Fajr (the pre-dawn prayer in Islam), I’ve already lost half the battle for that day. To have a productive day, it’s crucial to include the following in your daily plan:
- Allocate time in your schedule for the five daily prayers with congregation (Jamaat). If you’ll be on the move, plan for nearby mosques and know the prayer timings there.
- Mark your time for daily exercise and try to combine it with other activities if your day is busy. For instance, involve your spouse in the walk or discuss financial matters with your accountant while walking together.
- Note down any scheduled meetings and allocate estimated durations for them. Have contact information for key participants, know the meeting location if it’s off-site, and plan your travel time accordingly.
- Clearly define the objectives and agenda of each meeting. Prepare your thoughts and notes in advance to be well-prepared.
- Create a to-do list, estimate the time needed for each task, and check if they can all fit into your available time. Make adjustments if necessary before Fajr, prioritizing the most important tasks.
Remember, a meaningful and impactful life is achieved by striving to make each day count. The true battle of life happens in the trenches of our daily existence. To make the most of this battle, embrace the magical time filled with Barakah (blessings) before Fajr.
Some of the greatest individuals in history have utilized this time for reflection, introspection, contemplation, soul-searching, planning, and strategizing. Now, I won’t keep you any longer. Your day is waiting for you!