Al-Ghabn

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There are two blessings in which many people incur ‘al-Ghabn’ (loss). (These are) health and free time (for doing good).” [Bukhari]

Al-Ghabn in Arabic means loss. What it really signifies is to sell something of one’s own on less than its due price, or to buy something on double or triple its price. In both cases, one is a loser. When a person comes to know about such a loss, he repents and feels sorry for it. This loss coupled with regret is called Al-Ghabn.

In this hadith, man has been compared with a trader, and the health and leisure enjoyed by him to merchandise. One who uses his merchandise with care, gains profit, while he who wastes it, using it carelessly, will be a loser on the Day of Resurrection.

The majority of people do not take proper care of both of these blessings, with the result being that they waste their time, strength and energy in useless activities. On the Day of Resurrection they will wish that they had used their free time more productively.