Daily Habits of Islamic Scholars for Modern Muslims

Introduction: Why Study Scholar Routines?

Muslims nowadays frequently find it difficult to strike a balance between their spiritual and material commitments. Those looking for structure, barakah, and purpose can find timeless guidance by studying the daily routines of Islamic scholars.

The importance of moral models is emphasized in the Qur'an: "In fact, there is a lesson for those of understanding in [the stories of] their lives." (Yusuf Surah 12:111)

Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Nawawi, and other Islamic scholars led pious, purposeful lives. Their Islamic scholar habits were based on the Sunnah, the quest for knowledge, and purposeful living—qualities that contemporary Muslims can emulate for success in the here and now as well as in the hereafter.

What are the daily routines of Islamic scholars?

Islamic scholars followed structured routines rooted in Qur’an, Sunnah, and discipline. Their day revolved around salah, learning, dhikr, and teaching. These habits enhanced both spiritual growth and productivity. Modern Muslims can adopt similar practices to balance Deen and dunya, stay focused, and live with barakah and intention.

1. Foundation of Their Routine: Salah as the Anchor

A scholar's day naturally followed the five daily prayers. All other activities revolved around Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, which were not disruptions.

For instance, Imam Abu Hanifa frequently spent extended periods of time in prayer and dhikr in between his academic sessions, and he never missed takbir al-ula, the opening takbir. Scholars viewed salah as a spiritual checkpoint to revitalize energy and reset intention.

Today's lesson is to schedule your work around salah. By using this technique, time is kept from passing unnoticed and rhythm and barakah are developed.

2. Early Start: Barakah After Fajr

The Prophet ﷺ said,
“O Allah, bless my ummah in the early hours.” (Tirmidhi)

Islamic scholars typically began their day shortly after Fajr. The early morning was reserved for high-focus tasks: memorizing Qur’an, writing fiqh commentaries, or reading hadith.

Modern Muslims can adapt this by:

• Starting the day with Qur’an recitation or tafsir
  
• Reviewing a to-do list or intentions using a daily Islamic planner
  
• Avoiding phone/social media until at least an hour after Fajr
  
  

Related Post: Why Every Muslim Needs a Muslim Planner

3. Seeking Knowledge as a Daily Habit

Scholars dedicated major portions of their day to seeking or teaching ilm (knowledge). Imam Nawawi authored over 40 books in his short life due to his relentless time-blocking for learning.

Their habit:

• Reading tafsir, hadith, Arabic grammar
• Teaching students in structured study circles
• Writing scholarly commentaries

Modern approach: Block 30–60 minutes daily to study an Islamic subject—even if it's through online courses, books, or short videos from verified scholars

4. Dhikr and Reflection (Muraqabah & Muhasabah)

Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and reflection were cornerstones of their spiritual discipline.

• Scholars made dhikr while walking, eating, or during breaks
• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal is known to have performed daily self-accountability (muhasabah)

How to implement today:

• Keep a tasbih in your car or workspace
• Do post-Maghrib reflection or journaling using your Muslim daily planner
• Use a dhikr app or reminders

5. Simplicity and Minimalism in Schedule

Most classical scholars lived minimalist lives focused on purpose, not pleasure. They avoided idle talk, unnecessary travel, and frequent socializing.

• Time was either spent in ibadah, ilm, or rest
• Distractions (what we call entertainment today) were rare

Tip for modern Muslims: Limit screen time, mute notifications, and schedule your day with intentional focus using time-blocking methods.

Planning with purpose is a key trait of productive Muslims—something we can learn from the discipline of past scholars. To explore how structured living supports faith and focus, read why every Muslim needs a Muslim planner.

6. Physical Health and Rest (Qaylulah & Exercise)

Scholars valued physical wellness:

• Took midday naps (Qaylulah), especially for energy at night
• Walked to masajid and teaching circles
• Maintained wudhu often, which also kept them refreshed

Even minor acts like wudhu were part of a wellness routine.
Actionable Tip: Add qaylulah (15–20 min nap) and light exercise into your planner to boost productivity.

7. Night Routine: Early Sleep & Qiyam

Most scholars slept early after Isha and woke up for Tahajjud or Qiyam-ul-lail.

Their night plan:

• Review their day
• Pray optional night prayers
• Plan for tomorrow with intention

Modern implementation:

• Set digital curfew after Isha
• Use your planner to prepare for the next day’s goals
• Wake 30 mins early for tahajjud or quiet dhikr

8. Applying Scholar Habits in Modern Muslim Life

Even in today’s world, scholar habits can be adapted. Start small, stay consistent, and align with your personal responsibilities.

Sample Morning Routine:

• Wake up before Fajr → Tahajjud or Qur’an recitation
• Fajr prayer + Adhkar
• 30 mins of study or journaling
• Review day’s goals using a faith-based planner

 Use tools like the Muslim Planner to map out your time around spiritual anchors.

9. Conclusion: A Barakah-Filled Routine Is Within Reach

Consistency matters more than perfection. The Prophet ﷺ said,
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few.” (Bukhari)

Adopting productive Muslim habits doesn’t mean copying every detail. Start with one:

• Anchor your day around salah
• Add Qur’an or ilm into your routine
• Cut digital noise in favor of dhikr and reflection
  

Your spiritual routine in Islam can evolve through small, mindful changes.

If you have questions, reflections, or would like to share how you’re applying these habits in your own life, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us here.

FAQs

Q1: What time did Islamic scholars wake up?

Most Islamic scholars woke well before Fajr to perform Tahajjud and engage in Qur’an recitation. Early rising was seen as spiritually and mentally productive.

Q2: How did scholars manage their time without modern tools?

They used prayer times as anchors, avoided distractions, and focused on purposeful acts like worship, study, and reflection.

Q3: Can a modern Muslim follow a scholar’s routine?

Yes, by aligning your day with salah, simplifying distractions, and using tools like a daily Islamic planner, you can replicate many aspects of a scholar’s barakah-filled lifestyle.