Okay, picture this: You’re scrolling through TikTok (again, Astaghfirullah, but we’re all guilty of it), and BAM! You’re hit with an ad for the latest gadget, a phone that folds, an AI that writes poetry, or maybe a smart fridge that can lecture you about your snack choices (we see you, ice cream hoarders). It’s shiny, it’s cool, and it’s got 10/10 vibes. But then the age-old question strikes: “Should I buy this? Will it bring me closer to Allah or just to the endless void of debt and screen time?”
Breathe easy, my friends. Here are some tips to make barakah-filled decisions when you’re eyeing that next tech splurge, all while keeping it halal and hustle-proof.
1. Channel Your Inner Sahabi: Intention First, Tech Later
Before you hit “add to cart,” pause for a second and ask yourself, Why do I need this? Would our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) be cool with it? Remember, everything in Islam starts with niyyah (intention). Are you buying this gadget to:
- Help you learn Quranic tajweed on a slick app? Cool, that’s barakah right there.
- Flex on your Snapchat followers? Maybe not the most halal flex, bro.
- Make your life easier so you can focus on ibadah? That’s a vibe.
If your intention has even a sprinkle of barakah potential, you’re off to a solid start.
2. Consult the Ultimate Decision-Maker (a.k.a. Allah SWT)
Look, there’s no shame in doing istikhara before dropping $$$ on a smartwatch. It’s literally what istikhara was made for, seeking Allah’s guidance on decisions. Here’s the play:
- Pray two raka‘ahs.
- Make that special du‘a where you’re like, “Ya Allah, if this purchase is good for my dunya and akhirah, make it easy. If it’s going to lead me to the Haram side of TikTok, close that door faster than I close tabs in front of my mom.”
Spoiler alert: If the answer feels off, trust the vibes. Allah’s always got your back.
3. Sunnah-Inspired Financial Moves: Budget Like a Boss
Our Prophet (PBUH) was all about balance, and he’d probably shake his head at your bank account if you’re splurging on tech without planning. Follow these sunnah-approved steps:
- Track your spending: Don’t let your wallet act like a sieve.
- Avoid debt: Interest-based financing? Hard pass. Layaway plans with no interest? Maybe, but still, be cautious.
- Zakat check: If you’re out here buying tech but haven’t given your zakat… bro. Priorities.
Practical tip: Use a budgeting app (yes, halal tech!) to figure out if you can buy the thing without compromising your sadaqah goals.
4. Is It Halal Tech or Just Shiny Fitnah?
Technology is a tool, not a toy (okay, sometimes it’s both, but hear me out). Ask yourself:
- Is it halal-friendly? If it’s going to lead you down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling and gossip, you might wanna rethink.
- Will it serve your deen? For example, a Quran e-reader? Amazing. A speaker for blasting nasheeds? We love that for you. But the latest console for 10-hour gaming sessions? Hmm. Moderation, people!
5. Read the Reviews, but Don’t Forget the Akhirah Rating
It’s 2025. We’re all about those 4.8-star Amazon ratings. But have you considered how this purchase might impact your akhirah? Will it:
- Free up time for salah, dhikr, and Quran?
- Help you connect with family and friends (offline, inshaAllah)?
- Or just distract you with memes until fajr sneaks up?
If it’s the latter, it’s a no from me, dawg.
6. Sunnah Minimalism > Gadget Overload
Let’s be real. The Prophet (PBUH) lived with minimal possessions, and he thrived. You don’t need the latest iPhone if your current phone works fine. A minimalist approach isn’t just trendy; it’s barakah-filled and Sunnah-approved. Less clutter = more room for blessings.
7. Be Grateful for What You Have
Before you upgrade, reflect on what you already own. Gratitude is key to unlocking more blessings. Remember the hadith: “Whoever is not grateful for small blessings will not be grateful for large ones” (Tirmidhi). So, thank Allah for your existing tech. Maybe it’s not the fastest, but it gets the job done.
8. Involve Your Squad (a.k.a. Your Family)
One way to ensure barakah is to consult your parents or loved ones. No cap, your mom’s side-eye might just be the istikhara result you needed. Plus, involving family brings unity and sometimes… shared expenses (wink).
Final Thoughts
Tech isn’t haram, but how you use it matters. So next time you’re drooling over the latest gadget, take a deep breath, make du‘a, and think about how it aligns with your deen. Remember, the goal is to bring barakah into every aspect of life, even your tech game.
Until next time, stay blessed, stay tech-smart, and may your Wi-Fi always be strong and halal! Ameen.