As-salamu alaykum, my beloved Zen Muslim squad! Let’s talk about a topic that hits close to home , our tangled relationship with technology. Yep, those tiny glowing rectangles that eat up hours of our day, subtly draining our barakah and leaving us in a foggy spiral of doom-scrolling and FOMO. But hey, don’t worry , today, we’re about to declutter that techy chaos and sprinkle some sunnah-inspired minimalism into our lives. Ready? Bismillah, let’s dive in!
Step 1: Start with Niyyah (Intention)
First things first, my friends. Let’s get real about why we’re embarking on this minimalist tech journey. As Muslims, we know our intentions shape our actions. Are we cutting down on screen time to flex on others in some “Zen Muslim aesthetic” TikTok? Or are we genuinely seeking to free our minds and hearts to better worship Allah and spend time on what really matters? Pro tip: go for the second one. It’ll pay off in both this life and the next.
Dua Tip: “O Allah, bless my time and grant me wisdom in how I use it. Make my tech habits a source of barakah, not burnout. Ameen.”
Step 2: The Great Digital Declutter
Alright, take a deep breath and grab your devices. It’s time for a purge. No, not the scary dystopian movie kind. I’m talking about going full Marie Kondo but make it halal.
Apps: Do you really need five shopping apps that all promise “up to 80% off”? Spoiler alert: they’re lying.
Social Media: Ask yourself: does this platform help me grow, or is it a portal to procrastination? Unfollow accounts that make you feel insecure, and follow more that remind you of your deen. Hello, Quran quotes and halal memes!
Notifications: If your phone buzzes every time someone likes your three-day-old Instagram post, you’re essentially training yourself to be a squirrel. Turn off non-essential notifications and reclaim your focus.
Step 3: Sunnah Scrolls Only
Here’s a hot take: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived in the desert with no Wi-Fi and still managed to lead an entire ummah. Clearly, we can live without the infinite scroll!
But wait, let’s not be extreme. It’s not about throwing your phone into the ocean. Instead, try what I call “Sunnah Scrolls” , intentional, beneficial use of technology. Need an example?
- Use your phone to listen to Quran or Islamic podcasts while you drive. (Double sunnah points for hitting the masjid during your trip!)
- Replace late-night TikTok binges with du’as and dhikr apps.
- Get your Islamic knowledge fix from YouTube lectures instead of spiraling into conspiracy theory videos. (Seriously, stay out of that rabbit hole.)
Step 4: Set Tech Boundaries Like a Pro
Remember how the Prophet (peace be upon him) had clear routines, like praying at specific times, eating moderately, and taking naps? That’s your cue to create healthy boundaries with tech.
- Morning Tech-Free Zone: Start your day with fajr, reflection, and a hot cup of chai instead of doom-scrolling news that will raise your blood pressure before sunrise.
- Tech-Free Jumu’ah: Imagine going through Friday fully present, without checking your phone 25 times. Crazy idea, right? Yet totally liberating.
- Digital Sundown: Power down your devices an hour before bed. Light a candle (safely), sip some herbal tea, and do a little nighttime dhikr. Your soul will thank you, and so will your sleep-deprived eyes.
Step 5: Upgrade to Analog
Ever thought about what would happen if you left your phone behind for a few hours? News flash: the world won’t end. Borrowing from the Sunnah, we can embrace simplicity and reconnect with the physical world.
- Write it down: Swap your digital planner for a good old-fashioned notebook. Scribble dua lists, Quran reflections, or even your grocery list. It’s like sunnah therapy, minus the blue light.
- Walks of Barakah: Go outside, breathe fresh air, and reflect on Allah’s creation. And please, leave your phone at home unless it’s also your Quran-on-the-go.
- Real Conversations: Remember when people actually talked without emojis? Let’s bring that back. Call your mom. Visit your friends. Unplug and reconnect IRL.
Step 6: Make It a Family Affair
Want bonus barakah points? Turn your minimalist tech journey into a family project. Hold each other accountable. Make it fun! Create a tech-free dinner tradition where everyone shares their high and low of the day. Or maybe a weekly “Sunnah Saturday” where you do activities that don’t involve screens , think volunteering, hiking, or cooking together.
Step 7: Embrace the Awkward Silence
Minimalist tech life isn’t all zen vibes and perfectly curated moments. Sometimes, you’ll be bored. Sometimes, you’ll want to check your phone out of habit. Here’s the secret: lean into the discomfort. Use those moments to make dhikr, reflect, or just sit with your thoughts. Who knows, you might even come up with your next brilliant idea.
Conclusion: Minimalism with Maximum Barakah
So, my Zen Muslim crew, the path to a minimalist tech life isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intention, balance, and aligning our digital habits with our faith. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best deeds are those done consistently, even if they are small.” (Bukhari)
Start small. Declutter an app today. Turn off your phone for an hour tomorrow. Slowly but surely, you’ll reclaim your time, energy, and focus for what truly matters. And hey, if you slip up and binge-watch a whole series in one night? Make istighfar, laugh it off, and get back on track. Allah’s mercy is greater than any screen addiction.
Now go forth and live your best minimalist, barakah-filled tech life! And don’t forget to share this post (after you’ve set your new screen time limits, of course).
Fi amanillah, and happy unplugging!