ISLAM AND TECHNOLOGY

With the advancement of technology in the 21st century, the arrival of new gadgets has made our lives easier in many ways like when we have to shop on amazon or flip kart, it does not take much time to arrive on our doorstep. People might argue that this has made our lives easier in a way and also dependent and lazy. Well, it all depends upon how you view it and how you access it. It is like the world is running under your fingertips; just a click and you are right there!

Islam allows the usage of modern technology within the limitations of ALLAH (SWT). It will not cause you to ruin your relationship with ALLAH if You allow doing so. Remember extravagance of everything is harmful to your heart and soul and can make a huge impact on your relationship with ALLAH. Let’s accept it, that we have become attached to it so much so that the first thing that we check when we awake is our cellphone. There is no harm in using your technological devices along as it is keeping your Imaan firm. As soon as you realize any changes in your behavior or mood swings with its usage just keep yourself away from it. Cut all the distractions that are causing your relationship with your Creator to suffer.

Although if you use it wisely, you can bring a drastic change in your community. For instance, you can be a helping hand for the unfortunate by raising a fundraising campaign on social media websites or support those who are bullied online by raising awareness posts to stand for the truth and justice. It has both pros and cons. For example, my article is a live example of how I am using my skills and the platform. It can reach up to thousands of people and what if I touched at least one person with my article; that will be a bonus for me on the day of resurrection (insha’Allah). May we all use our skills and talents for His sake and earn His pleasure and endless rewards. Aameen.

Behind every Muslim’s living should be a purpose i.e. to please and serve Allah and to help the community and enjoin good and forbid evil. Therefore, we should use it with the purpose to post beneficial things that after we are gone, we leave some good behind. Social media has been a major part of our lives and yes it can also be our means to paradise or hellfire. It all depends on the way we use it. How amazingly it connects you with your loved ones living abroad. But if this becomes a means to bully people online or chat with strangers; then you got to ask yourself what exactly are you doing with your life. It is also important to note that if we don’t have anything good to share online so we shouldn’t be on the platform.

As in Islam, we know that the angels are with us at all times recording our deeds, so even whatever we are typing and sharing stuff online even that is been recorded. ALLAH (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur’an: “Not a word does one utter, except that there is an angel watching, ready to record it.” (Surah Qaf 50:18). Therefore, we should be conscious and take action seriously. If it is taking away your time by just scrolling over Facebook and Instagram or other social media websites then you check your actions. Whilst doing any actions, you can ask yourself is it beneficial? Will it help me in my Akhirah or it will ruin it?
Take another example of the pious scholars who have left behind such meaningful work both in actions as well as online. For example: Be it Qur’anic tafsir of Dr. Israr Ahmad (R.A), debates by Ahmad Deedat (R.A), or be it the motivational speeches by Malcolm X (R.A) and Muhammad Ali (R.A). Whenever anyone will listen to it, they will get the reward. Subhan’Allah!

As Muslim believers, we have to make beneficial use of every single second and make good usage of the time that we are blessed with so that we gain the pleasure of Allah. We have to use it smartly and not become its slaves. As the Prophet (SAW) said: “There are two blessings that people waste: health and free time.” (Al-Bukhari). We should use it wisely and not in extravagance. If we use it to maintain ties with kinship who live abroad, to make beneficial charity page and collect donations, to write a beneficial article to spread beneficial knowledge. Imagine after you are gone, you will leave behind these pages and articles and the more authentic and beneficial it is and a person reads your post and benefits from it, you will receive the rewards in your grave. Likewise, on the other hand, if we share a movie or music videos online and people are enjoying watching or listening to you. YOU will receive its punishment. So be careful what you share and post on social media.

So, therefore, we have to try using it in a way that it will bring fruitful results in this life and the life to come. We will be held accountable for what we post on social media. And we have to note that we practice what we preach.

Tips to use it correctly—

• You can use it to share beneficial posts, Create a blog page and share authentic posts.
• Using correct words of wisdom to correct people
• We should use it to gain beneficial knowledge
• Writing a book and sharing it online in pdf format
• Creating good Islamic animated content to benefit the youth
• Beneficial cartoon films about stories of prophets and good mannerisms lessons for children
• Get enrolled in Islamic university online and take Arabic lessons

Therefore, I repeat, it all depends upon you, how you use it. Excessive usage of these devices also has negative effects like causes lots of stress, depression, poor sleep habits, making a comparison, jealousy, lack of privacy, envy; then you have to stay away from it as much as possible.

To give beneficial advice from my end will be that plan out things. If you will plan and know the exact time when to use it then you can use it in moderation. Download the ‘Your hour’ application that will keep your track of how much time you spend online. It will take a lot of time to get back to a healthy routine but trust me I have experienced it myself. Also, keep remembering that ALLAH will never change your condition until to strive hard to put effort to change yourself.