Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem! Let’s talk about a big elephant in the room, and no, it’s not the new iPhone you’re obsessively scrolling through right now. It’s our collective inability to balance our Deen (faith) with the ever-distracting world of technology.
I get it, we’re the Zen Muslim generation. We love our aesthetics, our Instagram-worthy chai lattes, and our perfectly curated Spotify playlists for that perfect “self-reflection” vibe. But let’s be real: how many of us have spent more time watching TikToks on “how to wake up for Fajr” than actually waking up for Fajr? Yeah, I’m calling myself out too.
So, why should we even bother learning this balancing act? Isn’t tech a blessing from Allah? Of course it is! But here’s the thing, blessings can quickly turn into trials if we don’t handle them with wisdom. Remember the Hadith, “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 preoccupation, and your life before your death” (Tirmidhi)? Free time, my friend, is getting sucked into the black hole of endless notifications.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Call Out the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Culture
You know that feeling when you put your phone down, but then a little voice whispers, “What if there’s a group chat meme you missed?” or “What if someone replied to your IG story?” This, my dear friend, is FOMO. And trust me, FOMO is not your friend. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to be content with what we have: “Look at those below you (in worldly matters), and do not look at those above you” (Bukhari, Muslim). This Hadith is literally the antidote to the FOMO culture social media thrives on.
Instead of doom-scrolling, try swapping one hour of your social media time with Qur’an recitation. Imagine replacing a dopamine hit from likes with the tranquility of Allah’s words. It’s a vibe unmatched.
Step 2: Embrace the Sunnah of Moderation
The Prophet (peace be upon him) lived a balanced life, and no, he didn’t have to choose between binge-watching Netflix and Tahajjud. But his example teaches us an important principle: everything in moderation. If you’re spending 6 hours a day on TikTok but can’t spare 10 minutes for Dhuhr, something’s gotta give.
Here’s a fun challenge: use the “screen time” feature on your phone. When you see the hours you’ve spent swiping, use that as a wake-up call (pun intended). Set time limits for apps that eat up your day, and use the extra minutes to pray, read Hadith, or, here’s a wild idea, call your mom.
Step 3: Make Tech Your Ally, Not Your Enemy
Technology isn’t the villain here; it’s how we use it. Imagine using your phone as a means to gain Allah’s pleasure instead of just entertainment. SubhanAllah, the possibilities are endless. Download Qur’an apps, set up reminders for Salah, or follow inspiring Muslim influencers who actually motivate you to be a better person (instead of just making you jealous of their Maldives trip).
If you’re into podcasts, swap your true-crime binge for Islamic podcasts or lectures. There are some amazing content creators out there who make learning about Islam fun, relatable, and, dare I say it, entertaining.
Step 4: Digital Detox, Sunnah-Style
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take time for seclusion in the cave of Hira. While I’m not saying you need to find a cave (unless that’s your thing), taking a break from the digital noise is Sunnah-inspired self-care. Try a weekly tech detox. Turn off your devices and spend time connecting with nature, family, or your own soul. Read an Islamic book, memorize a new Surah, or even just sit in silence and make Du’a.
Step 5: Dua and Accountability
Balancing tech and Deen is not just about hacks and strategies. It’s about asking Allah for guidance. Make Du’a for barakah in your time and wisdom in your choices. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both” (Muslim). Strengthen your iman by taking small, consistent steps toward balance.
Find an accountability buddy who’s on the same journey. Share tips, motivate each other, and maybe even compete in a friendly “Who-Can-Spend-Less-Time-on-Social-Media” challenge. Loser buys halal bubble tea.
Final Thoughts: Balance, Not Extremes
Living in the Zen Muslim era means navigating uncharted waters. But the beauty of Islam is its timelessness. Whether you’re a 7th-century shepherd or a 21st-century tech-savvy millennial, the principles of balance, moderation, and purpose remain the same.
So, let’s strive to use tech as a tool for good, not as a distraction from our ultimate purpose. Let’s make time for Allah before time runs out. And hey, if you’ve read this far without checking your phone, you’re already on the right track. May Allah make us among those who use our time and technology wisely. Ameen!