The Priorities That Matter Most

For football (soccer) fans, there is hardly a greater event than the FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, schedules are rearranged, alarms are set for early matches, gatherings are planned, and emotions rise and fall with every goal. For many, supporting a favorite team becomes a genuine priority.

There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying sports or other wholesome forms of recreation. Islam recognizes our need for relaxation, family time, and moments of enjoyment. The question is not whether we have priorities—but what our priorities reveal about us.

Our priorities determine where we invest our time, our energy, our wealth, and our hearts.

Allah ﷻ reminds us:

"Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'"
(Qur'an 6:162)

This verse invites us to ask an important question:

If someone observed my daily life, what would they conclude is my highest priority?

Would they say it is my career? My business? My entertainment? My hobbies? My social media? My financial success? Or would they recognize that my greatest concern is pleasing Allah?

Every one of us has only twenty-four hours in a day. We all make choices. Those choices silently reveal what matters most to us.

Consider these three examples.

The first priority is entertainment. Whether it is sports, television, gaming, or social media, these activities can consume hours without us realizing it. Yet many people find it difficult to dedicate even a few minutes each day to reading the Qur'an or praying with concentration.

The second priority is wealth and career. Islam encourages us to work hard, earn lawfully, and provide for our families. But when earning a living causes us to neglect our prayers, delay our obligations, or forget our Creator, then something has become out of balance.

Allah says:

"O you who believe! Let not your wealth or your children distract you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that—then they are the losers."
(Qur'an 63:9)

The third priority is our relationship with Allah. This is the only priority that benefits us both in this life and in the Hereafter. Every prayer offered sincerely, every page of Qur'an recited, every act of charity, every kind word, every moment of patience, and every sincere repentance becomes an investment that will never be lost.

The Prophet ﷺ beautifully summarized true success when he said:

"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

A traveler enjoys the scenery but never forgets the destination.

Likewise, this worldly life is not our permanent home. We benefit from it, work in it, and appreciate its blessings, but we never allow it to distract us from preparing for our eternal meeting with Allah.

Allah reminds us:

"The life of this world is nothing but amusement and play, while the Home of the Hereafter is best for those who are mindful of Allah. Will you not then understand?"
(Qur'an 6:32)

This does not mean we abandon our families, careers, education, or recreation. Rather, it means placing everything in its proper place. Family becomes an act of worship when we fulfill our responsibilities sincerely. Work becomes worship when it is honest and lawful. Recreation becomes permissible when it does not cause us to neglect our obligations.

The Prophet ﷺ also taught:

"The intelligent person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death."
(Jami' at-Tirmidhi)

Perhaps the greatest question each of us should ask is not:

"What occupies most of my time?"

But rather:

"What occupies most of my heart?"

The answer to that question reveals our true priorities.

As we cheer for our favorite teams, pursue our careers, and enjoy the blessings Allah has given us, let us remember the priority that deserves first place above all others: our relationship with Allah ﷻ.

May Allah make Him the greatest concern in our hearts, bless our time with what benefits us, keep us steadfast upon His guidance, and make our priorities those that lead to His pleasure in this life and eternal success in the Hereafter.

Ameen.