As-salamu Alaikum, young Muslim trailblazers! Let’s get real for a moment: how many of us have spent hours scrolling through TikTok only to look up and realize it’s fajr time? Astaghfirullah! Tech addiction is the sneaky little Shaytan in our pockets, and if we’re honest, it’s been winning some serious battles lately. But alhamdulillah, more and more Muslims (yes, even Gen Z) are hitting the brakes and choosing faith over FOMO.
Why? Because when your soul’s battery is drained, no amount of TikTok hacks, Instagram reels, or Netflix binges can recharge it. It turns out, the ultimate “power bank” is already in our hands: our deen. Let’s dive into why Muslims are saying goodbye to their unhealthy tech habits and hello to living their best, faith-filled lives.
1. From TikTok to Tawakkul: Finding Peace Beyond the Feed
We live in an era where everyone’s life seems like a highlight reel. You scroll through Instagram, and boom , someone’s just bought a Tesla, someone else is in Bali, and here you are struggling to make it to Jummah on time. It’s exhausting, and it’s no wonder anxiety levels are through the roof.
But Islam reminds us that true peace (sakina) doesn’t come from likes, followers, or “viral” moments. It comes from tawakkul , trusting Allah. When you step away from the endless scroll and instead open the Quran, suddenly, the comparison game fades away. Why? Because Allah isn’t judging you based on your selfie game; He’s looking at your sincerity.
2. Replacing “Screen Time” with “Sunnah Time”
Let’s admit it: our phones are practically glued to our hands. Some of us even check our notifications during salah. (Yes, you know who you are. Don’t worry, we’re making du’a for you.) But what if we flipped the script?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) didn’t need an iPhone to stay connected. He connected through acts of worship, dhikr, and quality time with his loved ones. What if, instead of binge-watching a show, you spent 30 minutes learning a new dua? Or swapped your endless texting for some heartfelt du’as for your friends? Sunnah practices, like morning and evening adhkar, are basically the original “wellness routine” , and they actually work.
3. Unplugging to Plug Into Real Relationships
Here’s a fun fact: no one remembers your Snapstreaks when you’re gone. But what people do remember is how you made them feel. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us the importance of good character and building real relationships.
Take a break from scrolling and spend quality time with your family or friends. Maybe host a halaqa where you all study a hadith together. (Pro tip: add snacks. Muslims will come for the iman boost and stay for the samosas.) These moments of connection leave a lasting impact, unlike that viral dance trend you’ll forget in two weeks.
4. FOMO Is No Match for Faith
Fear of missing out is real, but let’s flip the script. Instead of worrying about missing out on a new trend, let’s worry about missing out on Jannah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler” (Sahih Bukhari). Translation? This dunya is temporary, and no amount of followers or viral moments will matter when it’s time to meet our Creator.
When you focus on your akhirah, the FOMO from social media starts to feel insignificant. After all, what’s cooler: an influencer’s aesthetic vacation or earning rewards for praying Tahajjud?
5. Practical Tips to Beat Tech Addiction
Okay, so how do we actually do this? Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you unplug and reconnect:
- Set Tech-Free Zones: No phones during meals, family time, or , most importantly , salah.
- Limit Screen Time: Use apps to track your usage and set daily limits. (Yes, there’s an app for that.)
- Fill the Void: Replace your scrolling habit with acts of worship, like reading Quran, making dhikr, or even volunteering.
- Buddy Up: Find an accountability partner who’ll remind you to put your phone down and pick up your iman. (Bonus: this friend will probably send fewer memes at 3 AM.)
- Make Dua: Ask Allah for guidance. After all, He’s the ultimate source of help.
6. The Reward of Reconnecting with Allah
When you choose faith over tech addiction, you’re not just giving up a bad habit , you’re investing in your soul. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better” (Ahmad). So when you trade your endless scrolling for acts of worship, trust that Allah will fill that void with barakah and peace.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours
So, young Muslim go-getters, the next time you feel the urge to scroll aimlessly, pause and ask yourself: is this helping my dunya and akhirah? If not, maybe it’s time to log off and look up , because the beauty of Allah’s creation, the sweetness of Salah, and the warmth of real relationships are worth so much more than the temporary buzz of a notification.
Remember, you have the power to break free from tech addiction and live a life guided by the Quran and Sunnah. And when you do, you’ll find that the rewards , both in this world and the next , are far greater than anything the digital world could ever offer. Stay blessed, stay grounded, and most importantly, stay connected to your Creator.
Wa alaikum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!