Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem! Let’s dive into a topic that every young Muslim, including you and me, is wrestling with: our love-hate relationship with technology. Yes, that gadget in your hand right now, the one you’re probably scrolling through this blog on, is both a blessing and, let’s be real, a bit of a fitnah.
From endless TikTok loops to the insha’Allah tomorrow texts we never follow up on, it seems our lives are ruled by screens. But what does our beautiful deen say about this? Can we find guidance in the Quran to live a digital life without losing our souls (or sanity)? Spoiler alert: Absolutely.
Technology: A Divine Tool or a Fitnah Fidget Spinner?
Let’s start with this: technology itself isn’t haram. Alhamdulillah! Imagine explaining to a tech-savvy Gen Z’er that WhatsApp calls or Google Maps (lifesavers during Ramadan Iftars) are off-limits. Allah (SWT) has blessed us with tools, including technology, to make life easier. Think of it as a modern-day camel, just faster, shinier, and comes with Wi-Fi.
The Quran reminds us:
“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, all from Him.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13)
Translation? These advancements are gifts! But, like any gift, there’s a catch: how we use them matters. Are we using our devices to strengthen our connection to Allah, or are they pulling us into the black hole of Netflix and FOMO?
The Doom Scroll: A Modern-Day Test
Let’s talk about doom-scrolling. (We see you, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, pretending to search for Quranic reminders but getting distracted by cat memes.) Allah (SWT) warns us against wasting time:
“By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds.” (Surah Al-Asr, 103:1-3)
Time is a resource we can’t recharge, unlike our phones. Every second spent lost in pointless scrolling is a second we could’ve spent doing something meaningful, like calling your grandma (yes, do it now!), making dua, or even just stepping outside to touch some grass.
Slide Into Jannah, Not the DMs
Social media: the great double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s amazing. You can follow Islamic scholars, attend online halaqas, and share motivational Quranic quotes (bonus points if paired with aesthetic sunsets). On the other hand, it’s a breeding ground for envy, gossip, and… questionable choices.
The Quran reminds us to guard our speech and actions:
“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (Surah Qaf, 50:18)
So, before posting that cryptic tweet or engaging in a comment war, ask yourself: “Would I want this conversation played on Judgment Day?” Yeah, didn’t think so.
Practical Tips: From the Quran to Your Screens
Here are some lighthearted, Quran-approved ways to reclaim your digital life:
- The “Bismillah” Rule:
Before opening any app, say Bismillah. If it feels weird saying it before opening TikTok, maybe skip it. - Set a Quran Break Timer:
For every 30 minutes of screen time, spend 5 minutes with the Quran. Pro tip: Download an app like Quran Explorer. Yes, your phone can be halalified! - Unfollow the Haram, Follow the Halal:
Curate your feed to align with your deen. If it doesn’t inspire faith, positivity, or personal growth, hit unfollow. - Salah Before Selfies:
No Snapstreak is worth missing a prayer. (Imagine explaining that to Allah: “Sorry, Ya Rabb, I was snapping streaks with Ahmed.”) - #DigitalFastFridays:
Dedicate one day a week to disconnect. Use that time to reflect, reconnect with family, or dive into a good old-fashioned book. Bonus: your screen detox will shock your followers into thinking you’ve “gone deep.”
The Prophet’s Digital Wisdom
Okay, so the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) didn’t have Wi-Fi, but his wisdom is timeless. He said:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.” (Narrated by Al-Hakim)
This is your friendly reminder that spending hours curating the perfect Insta caption won’t matter when our ultimate goal is to curate good deeds. Invest your energy wisely, and let technology be your tool, not your master.
Conclusion: Balance Is Sunnah
Islam is all about balance, whether it’s fasting and feasting, work and ibadah, or scrolling and sajdah. The Quran teaches us to be mindful of how we spend our time and to avoid excess in all things, including technology.
So, dear digital ummah, let’s strive for moderation. Use your devices to bring you closer to Allah, uplift others, and share goodness. And when in doubt, remember the ultimate litmus test: If your actions online would make you cringe in front of the Prophet (PBUH), maybe hit delete.
And now, as you’re about to share this blog (because sharing beneficial knowledge is sunnah!), take a moment to look up from your screen. Say Alhamdulillah for the blessings of technology and life. And then maybe, just maybe, log off for a bit.