Assalamu Alaikum, my dear TikTok-scrolling, meme-sharing, group-chat-loving brothers and sisters! Let’s talk about something near and dear to our hearts: digital friendships. Yep, those DMs, WhatsApp convos, and Snapchat streaks that keep our social lives buzzing like a post-Maghrib chai hangout.
Now, before you dive into your notifications, let me hit you with a golden nugget from the Sunnah that could totally level up your online interactions. Ready? Here it is: “None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).
Take a second to let that Hadith marinate in your mind. Think of it as the OG blueprint for authentic friendships. And yes, it applies to digital relationships too! Let’s break it down, young Zen warriors, and see how this tip can make your online connections as fulfilling as a Friday khutbah followed by biryani.
1. Stop Being a “Seen-Zoner”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever left someone on read. (No shame, we’ve all done it!) But here’s the deal: the Prophet ﷺ taught us to be mindful of others’ feelings. So next time you’re tempted to ghost your friend’s heartfelt message about their bad day, remember the Hadith. Would you like to be left hanging? No? Then type out a quick reply, even if it’s just a “dua emoji” or “May Allah make it easy for you.”
Pro Tip: Use the “Sunnah Reply Formula”, be kind, thoughtful, and sincere. Something like, “That sounds tough. I’m here for you. Can I make dua for you?” is a lot more uplifting than a blank screen.
2. Detox from Digital Drama
Let’s talk tea, no, not chai, drama tea. Social media thrives on petty arguments and public takedowns. But Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Imagine if we adopted that mindset in the comment section. Instead of typing out that spicy comeback to your cousin’s controversial IG story, hit pause. Ask yourself, “Will this bring us closer, or will it spark a pointless feud?” If it’s the latter, close the app and go make wudu instead. Trust me, it’s a vibe.
3. Slide Into DMs… With Purpose
Sliding into someone’s DMs isn’t inherently haram (calm down, aunties), but it is a powerful tool, so use it wisely. Need to compliment your friend’s Quran recitation post? Go for it. Want to share a random meme that could make their day? Bismillah. But always keep it halal and respectful.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged spreading joy and positivity. So when you message someone, think about how you can brighten their day. And no, this doesn’t mean spamming your friends with 47 forwarded Islamic reminders at 3 AM. Instead, share something thoughtful, like a dua or a kind word.
4. Beware of the Fake “Insta-Deen” Feels
We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through Instagram, and bam, someone posts a perfectly edited Quran page with the caption, “#Alhamdulillah for everything, even my struggles. You feel inspired… but also kinda insecure. Why don’t you have your life together like that?
Here’s the tea: social media is a highlight reel. Nobody posts their real struggles, like the Fajr alarms they snooze 10 times. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us to judge people with husn al-dhann (giving the benefit of the doubt). So, instead of comparing yourself to someone’s curated Insta-Deen, focus on your own journey. We’re all works in progress, Allah sees the effort, not the filters.
5. Make Dua for Your Digital Fam
One of the most beautiful practices in Islam is making dua for someone in their absence. (And spoiler: the angels make the same dua for you!) So why not turn your scrolling sessions into mini ibadah marathons?
Next time you see your friend’s wedding post or a cousin’s new business venture, pause and make a heartfelt dua for their success. Even better, drop a comment like, “MashaAllah, may Allah bless this for you!” Not only does this boost their day, but it also strengthens your bond, both online and offline.
6. Embrace the Sunnah of Forgiveness
Digital friendships can get messy, someone forgets your birthday, ignores your text, or maybe even shades you with a cryptic tweet. When this happens, channel the Prophetic sunnah of forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls themselves when angry.” (Sahih Bukhari).
So, instead of unfollowing or blocking them in a rage, take a deep breath, let it go, and move on. Forgiveness isn’t just for them, it’s for you. Plus, it’s way more rewarding than winning an online argument.
Final Thoughts: Sunnah Is the Ultimate Life Hack
By now, you’re probably thinking, “Wow, this one Hadith really does have the power to transform my digital friendships!” And you’re right. The Sunnah is timeless, my friends. It’s not just for big spiritual moments, it’s also for the small, everyday interactions that make life meaningful.
So go ahead, embrace this Prophetic tip. Be the kind of friend who uplifts, forgives, and spreads good vibes, online and offline. Because let’s face it: a digital friendship rooted in the Sunnah? That’s not just #goals, it’s eternal reward goals.
Over to You: What’s one way you can make your digital friendships more Prophetic? Drop your ideas in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this post with your squad, because loving for your brother what you love for yourself includes sharing gems like this!