The Qur’an For All Humanity
The Time is a Witness
~ 109 ~
A saintly person once observed that he had learnt
the meaning of this chapter from an ice vendor,
who was calling out aloud in the market: ‘O people,
have mercy on one whose goods are melting
continuously! O people, have mercy on one whose
goods are melting continuously!’ On hearing this
call, it came to his mind that the way the ice was
reducing in size at every moment, the lifespan given
to man was similarly reducing in length. Thus, if
the opportunity to act is not availed of properly by
engaging oneself in good actions or inaction, this is
man’s real loss. (
Imam Razi, Tafsir Kabir
)
Time is put to the proper use by one who gives
proof of three things in the present world. One is
Faith, that is, consciousness of reality and its
recognition; the second is just actions, that is, doing
what should be done and refraining from what
should not be done; the third is enjoining upon
others truth, justice and patience.
It is only the deep perception of reality which will
turn a man into a missionary and a preacher of
truth. Patience is a necessity to succeed in this
world. Only when a man has the will to renounce
