Question
Could you give some examples of time-wasting activities? I view movies & TV programs, listen to music, practice vocalizing, stroll through the park, exercise at the gym, talk to friends on-line, do my homework, but none of these activities would help me in the Hereafter. I always thought of these things as part of a healthy and happy life, but they are a ‘waste of time’ in terms of my position in the Hereafter are they not? Please provide some examples of ‘laghw’, in the context of Pakistani society if necessary, just so I can get a better idea of what a waste of time really means.
Answer
Time wasting activities would include all such activities which are neither beneficial from the worldly perspective nor from that of the Hereafter.
The activities that you have mentioned are indeed a part of a healthy life, if they do not entail any aspects which are harmful to one’s moral and spiritual personality. Thus, in most of these activities, it is not the activity, per se, which would come under the ambit of ‘Laghw’, but the particular content of that activity, which may render it undesirable. Thus, even though watching television is not wrong, yet if the programs watched are likely to negatively affect our moral and spiritual personality, then such programs should be avoided. Similarly, interaction with friends may be highly desirable, yet vulgar and uncouth conversation may darken and harden our hearts and souls and, therefore, should be avoided.
Another aspect, which we should always try to remain mindful about relates to our involvement in worldly activities, such as games, entertainments, interactions etc. We should never get so involved in these activities as to become unmindful of our religious and moral obligations. Thus, even a healthy entertainment can become ‘Laghw’, when it hinders us or makes us unmindful of our religious and moral obligations.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Moiz Amjad
February 25, 2002