Procrastination: A Habit Worth Unlearning

Procrastination, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is "the action of delaying or postponing something." 

It’s a word we all know—an act we are all too familiar with. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that we all procrastinate. Maybe not always, but certainly to a certain degree. There’s always something we’ve been putting off: that application we want to write, the new skill we want to learn, the topic we’re supposed to read, the call we’ve been meaning to make. I’m sure we can all relate to at least one of these.

Procrastination in Islam

Procrastination and laziness are among the bad habits associated with hypocrites (Munafiqoon). The Qur’an says regarding them:

“When they stand for Salah (prayer), they stand with laziness.”

(Surah An-Nisa 4:142)

While procrastination is often brushed off as a harmless habit—“as long as the task is done before the deadline, it’s fine, right?”—this mindset is deeply flawed. In truth, procrastination is a damaging habit, both to our personal growth and spiritual development. And like any other habit, it can be unlearned. Islam sees procrastination not just as a bad habit, but as a quality that can lead to significant losses and missed opportunities, both in this life and in the Hereafter.

How to Overcome Procrastination

Here are some actionable steps to help overcome procrastination:

1. Plan Your Time

Planning involves organizing your ideas into actionable steps. Start by waking up early and making a list of your daily tasks. Prioritize the most important ones and then move on to the less urgent.

2. Set Specific Goals

Replace vague goals with measurable ones. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to complete this task today,” say “I’ll work on this task for 3 hours.” This way, you know exactly what to do and how long you’ll be doing it.

3. Stay Accountable

The journey toward productivity can be challenging, and it's easy to slip back into old habits without realizing it. That’s why accountability is important. Find an accountability partner—someone who helps you stay committed to your goals through regular check-ins.

4. Seek Protection Through Du’a

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) frequently sought protection from procrastination and laziness, teaching us the importance of turning to Allah for help. He used to say:

 اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity and laziness, cowardice and miserliness, and from the burden of debt and the domination of men.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

Regularly incorporating this du’a into your prayers can be a powerful tool in overcoming procrastination.

In Conclusion

Muslims who procrastinate often fall short of their potential and their responsibilities—to themselves, to society, and to Allah. Islam places a high priority on time management and making the most of one’s time. There’s a popular saying:

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”

To unlearn a bad habit, you must replace it with a better one. So let’s all strive to replace procrastination with a more beneficial habit—time management.

by Imaan Ayoola