Have you ever wondered why some people achieve so much with the same 24 hours, while you end the day feeling like time just slipped away? No matter how much we plan, it often feels like time is never enough. But the truth is, Allah is the One who places Barakah (blessing) in our time.
The Prophets, the righteous predecessors, and even the great personalities we admire all had the same 24 hours as we do, yet they accomplished so much more. Perhaps you’ve also noticed people in your own life, or even on social media, who seem to achieve far more than we could imagine, despite having the same amount of time.
The difference lies in Barakah. Here are some practical and spiritual ways to invite Barakah into your daily routine.
Make Use of the Early Hours
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” (Tirmidhi)
The early morning is filled with blessings. Try to sleep early so you can wake up for Fajar and, if possible, even (20-40 minutes) earlier for Tahajjud. Spending even a few minutes worshiping Allah in the last third of the night when most of the world is asleep is one of the most powerful ways to bring Barakah into your time.
If you are just beginning, try setting an alarm 10 minutes before Fajar, wake up and while you are still in bed sit and spend those 10 minutes with Allah. Firstly, thank Allah for blessing you with this opportunity, then you can do Istaghfar and make a few Duas. After you slowly build this habit, you can start setting alarm for 30 minutes before Fajar and start praying Tahajjud.
Plan Your Day Around Salah
Instead of squeezing prayers into your schedule, build your schedule around them. Salah is not just a five-minute break from work; it is the anchor of your day. When you prioritize Salah, everything else falls into place with more ease and blessing.
Pray on Time and With Presence
When the time for Salah comes, leave everything else just as the Prophet ﷺ and the righteous before us did. And don’t rush your worship. Whether you are praying, reciting Qur’an, or doing Adhkaar, remind yourself: You are worshiping the One who controls time itself. Slow down, be mindful, and you’ll see Barakah flow into your hours.
Spend Time With the Qur’an
The Qur’an is a source of light, healing, and guidance. Try to spend at least 30 minutes daily with the Quran, either through recitation, reflection, or study. Even if it’s just one page with understanding, that connection will transform your day.
Remember Allah Throughout the Day
Dedicate moments for Dhikr and Istighfar, or weave them into your daily routine. For example, if you wake up a few minutes before Fajar, fill that time with Istighfar. You can also take small 2-5 minutes long Dhikr breaks throughout your day. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever clings to seeking forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of every difficulty and relief from every worry, and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Abu Dawood)
Work Smart, Not Just Hard
Barakah doesn’t come from exhausting yourself, it comes from Allah. Working smart means using the time, resources, and ease that Allah has already placed around you, instead of making things harder than they need to be.
For example, instead of spending hours trying to memorize Qur’an randomly, follow a structured plan or learn with a teacher. Instead of working non-stop without rest, take the Sunnah nap (qailulah) to recharge so your remaining hours are more productive. Even in daily tasks, if there’s a halal shortcut or tool that saves you time, use it and don’t burden yourself unnecessarily.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Make things easy and do not make things difficult.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Combine intentions: walking to the masjid is exercise and worship. Cooking for your family is ibadah if done with the right intention. Make dhikr during commutes, chores, or while waiting.
Working smart with the right intention allows you to achieve more with less, and that’s where the barakah lies.
Begin With the Right Intentions
Every action can turn into worship with the right intention. Start tasks with Bismillah and aim to please Allah in all that you do. When your effort is tied to a sincere intention, Allah puts blessing in your time, your energy, and your results.
For example:
- Work/Studies: Intend to seek knowledge or provide for your family, not just to earn money or grades.
- Household chores: Cooking, cleaning, or laundry can all become acts of worship if done to care for your family for the sake of Allah.
- Exercise: Intend to keep your body healthy and strong so you can worship Allah better.
- Resting/Sleeping: Intend to recharge so you can worship Allah or serve His creation with that energy.
- Helping others: Even a smile or a kind word can carry reward if intended for Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
With pure intentions, even the smallest tasks bring reward and Barakah into your day.
Protect Yourself From Sins
Sins remove Barakah from our time just as surely as good deeds invite it. Be mindful of your actions throughout the day, avoid both major and minor sins. Guard your tongue from backbiting, harshness, or judgmental words. Protect your eyes and ears from haram entertainment. Control your anger, and strive not to harm anyone with your words or actions.
Just as charity brings Barakah to wealth, righteous deeds bring Barakah to your time. Every act of obedience increases blessings, while sins drain them away.
Replace Music With What Benefits Your Soul
Music often drains time and spiritual energy. Try replacing it with Qur’an recitation, lectures, or beneficial podcasts. This small change fills your moments with purpose and draws your heart closer to Allah. Check out my free “Letting Go of Music” e-book if you struggle with quitting music.
Practice Daily Gratitude
Take a few minutes throughout the day to thank Allah for specific blessings. Gratitude opens the doors of Barakah. Allah promises in the Qur’an:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” (Qur’an 14:7)
Barakah in time isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters with Allah’s help. Start small, stay consistent, and rely on Him. When you connect your daily routine to your worship, you’ll find that even the busiest of days feels lighter, more productive, and more fulfilling.
