Hey there, my Gen Z Muslim fam! Let’s talk about a universal truth: our smartphones are practically an extra limb at this point. But as Muslims striving to follow the Sunnah, we’ve got to ask ourselves, WWMD? (What Would Muhammad Do?) While the Prophet ﷺ didn’t exactly have an iPhone to manage notifications, DMs, and endless scrolling, his timeless habits and guidance can totally help us rock a happier, healthier digital life. Ready to upgrade your tech habits, Sunnah-style? Let’s go!
1. Begin with Bismillah Before Unlocking Your Phone
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to start everything with Bismillah (In the name of Allah). Before diving into TikTok or checking Snap streaks, pause and say Bismillah. This tiny act shifts your mindset from mindless scrolling to mindful scrolling. Plus, it’s like spiritually password-protecting your phone!
Pro Tip: Use a Bismillah wallpaper on your lock screen as a gentle reminder. You’ll think twice before doom-scrolling or wasting time.
2. Guard Your Digital Tongue
The Sunnah emphasizes speaking kind words, or staying silent if you can’t. (Remember, silence is sunnah!) Apply this to your tweets, comments, and texts. Think: WWMD before I hit send?
The Rule: If it’s shady, hurtful, or unnecessary, backspace is your bestie. Spread positivity online like the Prophet ﷺ spread love and unity.
3. Balance Tech Time with Real-Life Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ was all about balance, work, worship, and socializing. If your screen time report looks like a full-time job, it’s time for a Sunnah intervention.
Try This:
- For every hour on your phone, spend 10 minutes in dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
- Use your phone to schedule Salah reminders (because nothing is more important than answering Allah’s call over a group chat).
Balance = Barakah, y’all.
4. Practice Digital Modesty
Hijab isn’t just about clothing; it’s about modesty in every aspect of life, including online. Be mindful of what you post, watch, and consume. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Modesty is part of faith.”
Digital Hijab Checklist:
Avoid oversharing personal life.
Unfollow accounts that don’t bring you closer to Allah.
Keep your online interactions respectful and halal.
5. Unplug for Some Qiyam Al-Layl Vibes
Ever binge-scrolled until 3 a.m. and felt like a digital zombie? The Prophet ﷺ loved waking up in the quiet of the night for Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer). Let’s reframe late-night scrolling into soul-scrolling.
Step-by-Step:
- Set a bedtime alarm to remind yourself to log out and log into dua.
- Replace your last hour of scrolling with prayer or Quran recitation.
- Need help falling asleep? Use apps like Quran Companion instead of swiping endlessly on Instagram.
6. Keep Your Notifications Halal
Remember how the Prophet ﷺ avoided distractions during worship? Treat your phone like your camel in the desert, important, but not something to drag into your Salah.
Sunnah Hack:
- Put your phone on silent or airplane mode during prayers.
- Declutter your notifications. Ask yourself: “Do I really need to know every time someone likes my photo?” Probably not.
7. Spread Good Vibes, Not FOMO
Social media can make us feel like everyone’s living their best life while we’re stuck in pajamas. The Prophet ﷺ taught gratitude and contentment, alhamdulillah for what we have, not what others post.
Here’s How:
- Share Islamic reminders and uplifting content instead of flexing.
- Post stories that inspire, not trigger envy.
- Remember: The ultimate glow-up isn’t your feed, it’s your deeds.
Bonus Tip: Your Phone Is a Tool, Not a Master
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to use what we have for good, without becoming enslaved by it. Apply this to your smartphone. It’s a tool for productivity, learning, and connecting with loved ones, not a black hole for your time and mental energy.
Final Sunnah Reminder: Balance is key. Your phone shouldn’t control you; you control it.
Closing Duas for the Digital Ummah
May Allah bless us with barakah in our screen time, guide us to use our devices in ways that please Him, and protect us from the traps of online toxicity. Let’s strive to be digitally mindful Muslims, using tech to strengthen our deen and dunya.
Remember, your smartphone is temporary, but your akhira is forever. Let’s keep our priorities straight and scroll responsibly.
Peace out, and stay Sunnah-savvy, fam!