Aligning with Creation: The Power of an Early Start for Spiritual and Personal Growth

Developing ourselves fully naturally requires an early start to the day. There is a common saying that in a 100-meter dash, the person who wins is usually the one who gets off the blocks first. Benjamin Franklin famously echoed a similar principle when he said, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

Rising early was the foundational routine of our pious ancestors. They would sleep early at night, right after the final prayer of the day (Isha), avoiding endless and unproductive late-night discussions. This rhythm remains the absolute best for our physical health, perfectly aligned with the natural circadian rhythms Allah designed for human beings.

In fact, rising early was the norm across all civilizations throughout history. It is only recently—within the last 50 years—that humanity has largely abandoned this natural pattern of living. Turning away from this rhythm has brought immense imbalance, affecting not only our personal well-being but also the fabric of modern society.

So much societal harm could be prevented by simply waking up early. When we rise at dawn, our minds are well-rested, fresh, and open to divine inspiration during a part of the day when everything is still. While most people are still asleep, there are no distractions, making it the premier time for deep focus. Though university professors often advise students to "burn the midnight oil," the quiet hours of early morning are far superior.

This peaceful time is ideal for study, reflection, and, most importantly, connecting with Allah Almighty to seek His inspiration, guidance, and strength for the day ahead. Truly, we only ever have today to live. If we focus our energies singularly on each day as it comes, day by day, we set ourselves up for lifelong success.

We must return to the natural lifestyle embedded in creation itself. So much of the created world wakes before sunrise and works throughout the day. Realigning our lives with this natural harmony is essential if we wish to grow, thrive, and fulfill our true purpose.