Okay, let’s be real for a second. Have you ever caught yourself scrolling endlessly through TikTok, Instagram, or whatever app has you in a chokehold, only to look up and realize it’s been HOURS? Yeah, me too. And then there’s that awkward realization: “Wait… was that really the best use of my time?” Spoiler alert: Probably not.
But here’s the real tea: Your smartphone might actually be stealing your barakah. Yup, you heard that right. That little glowing rectangle in your hand? It might be the biggest culprit behind why you’re feeling spiritually drained, unproductive, and even disconnected from Allah (SWT). Don’t worry, though, we’re about to unpack this with humor, love, and, of course, practical tips. Let’s get into it!
Wait, What Even Is Barakah?
For my Gen Z crew who might need a quick refresher: barakah is the special blessing, divine goodness, and spiritual abundance Allah (SWT) places in your life. It’s when things just click, when time feels sufficient, and when your efforts are blessed beyond what seems logically possible. Think of it as Allah’s secret sauce for a fulfilled life. And honestly, who doesn’t want more of that?
But here’s the catch: barakah doesn’t vibe with distractions. It thrives in mindfulness, good intentions, and actions that align with the Sunnah. And let’s be honest, our smartphones aren’t exactly helping with that.
How Your Smartphone Might Be Robbing You Blind
- Time Theft Time is one of the most valuable blessings we have, but TikTok’s algorithm? Ruthless. You open the app for “just 5 minutes” and suddenly it’s Fajr time again. Where did the day go? Wasting time on endless scrolling isn’t just unproductive; it’s a straight-up barakah blocker.
- Distraction from Worship Imagine this: You’re standing in salah, whispering Surah Al-Fatiha, and then… you remember that funny meme you saw earlier. Or worse, your phone buzzes mid-sujood. Smartphones pull our focus away from worship, making it harder to stay present with Allah (SWT).
- Comparison Culture Instagram’s highlight reels? A direct ticket to FOMO (fear of missing out) and envy. Seeing others’ curated lives can mess with your gratitude and make you feel like your own blessings aren’t enough. But guess what? Gratitude fuels barakah. Jealousy? Not so much.
- Neglecting Real-Life Connections You know how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was all about building strong relationships and being present for others? Yeah… doomscrolling isn’t exactly Sunnah-friendly. The more we’re glued to our screens, the more we neglect meaningful connections with family and friends.
So, How Do We Fix This?
Don’t worry, I’m not here to tell you to toss your phone in the ocean or delete all your social media accounts (unless you want to, power move!). Instead, here are some fun, doable ways to reclaim your barakah and still live your best digital life:
1. Set a Screen-Time Limit
Be your own parent and set some healthy boundaries. Most phones let you track your usage and even set daily app limits. Need motivation? Remind yourself: “Every minute wasted is a chance to earn rewards I’ll never get back.”
2. Create Tech-Free Worship Zones
Make a rule: No phones in your prayer space. This way, when you’re praying or reading Quran, you’re fully focused. Pro tip: Invest in a good ol’ analog alarm clock so you’re not tempted to check your phone first thing in the morning.
3. Embrace Digital Minimalism
Unfollow accounts that don’t align with your values. Fill your feed with uplifting, halal content that inspires you to be a better Muslim. Trust me, you don’t need to follow 1000 influencers to feel good about yourself.
4. Practice the Sunnah of Moderation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to seek balance in all aspects of life. Yes, you can enjoy social media, but don’t let it dominate your day. Use your phone with intention, not out of habit.
5. Make Dua for Barakah
When in doubt, make dua! Ask Allah (SWT) to bless your time, guide your actions, and help you use technology in a way that pleases Him. Dua is your ultimate cheat code for everything in life, including this.
Your Smartphone Doesn’t Have to Be the Enemy
Let’s not get it twisted: Smartphones aren’t inherently bad. They’re tools, and like any tool, it’s all about how you use them. Your phone can help you memorize Quran, listen to inspiring Islamic podcasts, or stay connected with loved ones. The key is to make it work for you, not against you.
So next time you’re tempted to dive into another endless scroll session, pause and ask yourself: “Is this adding barakah to my life?” If the answer’s no, put the phone down and do something that does. Because honestly? Your barakah is way too precious to waste on cat videos (even the really cute ones).
Final Thoughts
In a world that’s constantly vying for our attention, staying mindful and intentional is more important than ever. By taking small steps to control your smartphone habits, you’re not just protecting your barakah, you’re setting yourself up for a life that’s spiritually rich, productive, and deeply fulfilling.
So go ahead, Gen Z Muslim fam: Take back your barakah. And if you’re reading this on your phone right now… well, maybe it’s time to log off and put this advice into action. You’ve got this, InshaAllah!