By Asma Arshad Social media has become a large part of our lives. Humans are more connected than ever to each other. All one needs is an internet connection and they virtually have the whole world in their grasp. As a Muslim it is important to take a step back and look at how one can engage with social media in a way which benefits one not only in this life but also the next.
It was narrated from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The son of Adam will not be dismissed from before his Lord on the Day of Resurrection until he has been questioned about five things: his life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it, his wealth and how he earned it and how he disposed of it, and how he acted upon what he acquired of knowledge.”
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2422). From this hadith we learn the importance of time. Inevitably, social media will take up a lot of our time so it is vital that we benefit from social media usage. But how do we do this? Here are a few suggestions:
Renew Your Intention
If you want to use social media for da’wah purposes or to spread knowledge, that is great! But make sure you are renewing your intention for every post. It is easy to project a specific image on social media. Every post of yours should be a reminder to yourself first and foremost. Do not be among those people who say one thing and do another. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do” (61:12-13). Shaytan is quick to whisper doubts in our minds, so use social media for good but make sure to renew your intention so that you achieve maximum benefit.
Read Islamic posts
Follow Islamic scholars and listen/read what they have to say. It is easy to click “Like” or “Follow.” We must also ensure we read/watch what they have to say so that we benefit from them. Otherwise, it is as though we like or follow them for mere appearances.
Stay Away from the Comments Section
It is not worth it to argue from behind the screen. Many users on social media do not care to seek the truth but simply want to get a reaction from you. Do not fall into the trap of arguing for the sake of arguing. Only debate with someone if both of you are willing to seek the correct answer, not if one of you wants to salvage their ego.
Limit Your Time
As mentioned before, time is of the essence, especially for a Muslim. Do not be among those who are addicted to social media. Limit your consumption of it so that you have time to do acts of more benefit. Do not live within the realm of social media helping causes from behind a screen. Live life. Go outside and physically help a cause you’re passionate about.
Encourage positivity
Try to do your best to encourage positivity with your posts. Positively engage with the things you are interested in. Sometimes it seems as if there is more bad than good on social media. It is easy to get depressed and angry. Don’t simply spread negativity and bad news. Balance the bad with the good. Nothing happens without the will of Allah (SWT). Understand this and look for a silver lining. And if you can’t find one, trust that Allah (SWT) has a plan and that everything will work out.
In this way, social media usage can be beneficial. This of course, is not an exhaustive list of how to social media usage for a Muslim but it is a reminder for myself first and those who desire a reminder. May Allah (SWT) grant us barakah in all that we do. Ameen.
