Are you scrolling through TikTok faster than you flip through your Quran? Did you Google “Hadith about procrastination” only to procrastinate some more? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’re all trying to navigate life in this chaotic tech-driven world while staying true to our faith. That’s why we’re coining a new motto for Muslims who want to thrive: Faith First, Tech Second.
Sounds catchy, right? Let’s dive into why this mindset is the glow-up you didn’t know you needed and how you can pull it off without feeling like you’re living in the Stone Age.
1. Tech Can Be Distracting… Even During Salah!
Raise your hand if you’ve checked your phone during the Adhan. Be honest, Allah (SWT) is watching. It’s tempting to sneak a peek at that notification or scroll “just one more reel” before heading to pray. But remember, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment is his Salah.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 864)
Imagine standing before Allah and explaining why you were late for prayer because you just had to watch a cat do backflips on Instagram. Embarrassing, right?
So, pro tip: put your phone on airplane mode during Salah. Not only will you concentrate better, but you’ll also avoid those pesky “urgent” memes disrupting your khushu (devotion).
2. Tech Won’t Save Your Akhirah
Let’s get real. No amount of perfectly curated selfies or witty tweets is going to earn you Jannah. Allah doesn’t care if your follower count is higher than the number of stars in the sky. What He does care about is your niyyah (intention) and deeds.
The Prophet (PBUH) reminded us:
“When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Sahih Muslim 1631)
Notice how “having the most retweets” didn’t make the cut? Use tech as a tool to gain reward, share Islamic reminders, donate to causes, or even learn a new surah via YouTube. Just don’t let your smartphone outshine your smart deeds.
3. Hadiths Over Hashtags
Let’s face it: we’re all guilty of going down the rabbit hole of trending hashtags. But what if we swapped “#OOTD” for “#IslamicWisdom”? The Hadiths are a goldmine of guidance for every aspect of life, relationships, work, even how to deal with annoying neighbors (you know who you are).
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3559)
So before clapping back at someone online, ask yourself: “Would this get me a thumbs-up from the Prophet (PBUH)?” If not, maybe it’s time to chill and log off.
4. Set Boundaries with Tech
You’ve heard of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), but what about FOWT, Fear of Wasting Time? That’s what happens when you binge-watch 12 episodes of a show instead of investing time in your deen. Life’s too short for meaningless scrolling.
Here’s a fun challenge: adopt a tech-free hour daily. Use it to pray, recite Quran, or even just sit in silence and reflect. Your soul needs as much recharging as your phone battery.
5. The Sunnah Way of Using Tech
Now, don’t get me wrong, tech isn’t inherently bad. It’s all about how you use it. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to be balanced in everything, and that includes our digital habits. You can totally be the cool Muslim who tweets about Islamic reminders, posts halal cooking tips on TikTok, and creates Instagram stories about Jummah vibes.
Just remember to keep your intentions pure. Your tech usage should reflect your values as a Muslim. Use your platforms to inspire, educate, and connect with others in ways that bring you closer to Allah.
6. Practical Tips to Prioritize Faith Over Tech
Let’s wrap this up with some actionable advice:
- Start Your Day Right: Check in with Allah before checking your notifications. Fajr comes before your inbox, always.
- One Islamic App Rule: If your phone can house 200 selfie apps, it can handle one Quran or prayer tracker app. Download one and actually use it.
- Digital Detox Fridays: Try making Jummah your tech-light day. Dedicate time to dhikr, family, and community instead of Netflix marathons.
- Accountability Buddies: Team up with a friend to keep each other in check. Maybe swap your “Wordle score” updates for “Surah memorization” updates.
Final Thoughts: Faith Is Your Anchor
In this fast-paced digital age, our faith is the anchor that keeps us grounded. Tech is great for enhancing our lives, but it should never replace the essence of who we are as Muslims. By putting faith first and tech second, we can lead balanced, fulfilling lives that earn both Dunya points and Akhirah rewards.
So, next time you’re tempted to scroll endlessly, remember: your Creator deserves more screen time in your heart than your phone does in your hand.
Stay blessed, stay grounded, and always keep it halal. Peace out!