Happy Hours: How Reading Enriches Your Time
(Mahnoor Raza, Karachi)
There was a time when even with limited free hours, people chose to spend them wisely—reading books, engaging in deep discussions, and seeking knowledge through questions and reflection. Now, much of our youth, despite having more access and free time, spends hours scrolling aimlessly on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. The shift from meaningful engagement to mindless consumption is silently affecting our growth.
As Hazrat Ali (R.A.) said: "KNOWLEDGE ENLIVENS THE SOUL."
This timeless wisdom reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from distractions, but from learning, thinking, and growing. Gaining knowledge uplifts not just the mind, but the entire soul and character of a person.
1. Improves Focus
Reading needs your full attention and helps your mind stay in one place.
Unlike scrolling, it doesn't jump from topic to topic or tire your brain.
This helps you get better at avoiding distractions in all parts of life.
2. Builds Knowledge
Articles give clear and useful information and help you understand real problems.
They help you see the world in a bigger way and teach more than just trends.
With time, this gives you more confidence and better choices in life.
3. Sharpens Thinking
Good reading makes you think, join ideas, and see different opinions.
You start asking smarter questions and thinking on your own.
This habit helps in school, work, and everyday life.
4. Better Vocabulary
Reading shows you new words, better sentences, and strong ways to say things.
You learn new words without trying too hard, which helps in speaking and writing.
This is great for students, workers, or anyone who talks or writes a lot.
5. Less Mental Clutter
Scrolling fills your head with random and useless things.
Reading clears that mess and brings calm, clear thoughts.
It lets your mind rest and understand things better.
6. Emotionally Healthier
Social media can make you feel bad by causing stress or comparison.
Reading, especially positive or deep content, brings peace inside.
It helps you break bad screen habits and feel more connected to yourself.
7. Time Well Spent
Just a few minutes of reading can teach you something new.
Unlike scrolling, it makes you feel like you gained something.
Your time becomes useful and helps you grow, not just pass by.
8. Improves Writing
The more quality writing you consume, the more your own writing improves. You learn tone, flow, structure, and expression without even trying. This directly benefits academic work, creative projects, or career communication.
Reading is a strong way to help both your mind and body. A ''Study in Social Science & Medicine shows'' that reading can lower stress, boost your thinking skills, and help you feel emotionally better. Reading regularly also improves your memory, focus, and word knowledge, keeping your brain sharp and quick. Also, research finds that reading cuts stress and worry, giving you mental rest similar to meditation. By reading every day, you can boost your thinking skills and feel calm and focused.
Final Thoughts:
In a world full of distractions, it’s crucial to remember that knowledge is a tool for both personal and collective growth. Instead of letting precious time slip away, we should aim to cultivate habits that enrich our minds and souls.
As our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: ''Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim."
Let’s make the most of our time by engaging in activities that uplift us, starting with reading and learning.