We see you. Late at night, the blue glow of your screen lights up your room as you whisper, “Just one more episode.” But let’s be honest, is it ever just one more? Before you know it, the Fajr alarm is buzzing, and you’re debating whether to pray now or nap first. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’re not here to cancel your Netflix subscription (we’re not that cruel). But let’s chat about how binge-watching might be low-key affecting your iman (faith) and what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) might advise in this scenario.
The Netflix Conundrum: Is It Really Haram to Chill?
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. No, watching Netflix isn’t inherently haram. There’s plenty of wholesome content out there that aligns with Islamic values. But the real issue lies in excess. Hours of screen time can make us lazy, distract us from our priorities, and sometimes even expose us to content that’s not exactly Jannah-approved.
Remember the Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The two feet of the son of Adam will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about his life and how he spent it…” (Tirmidhi)? Now, imagine trying to explain 70% of your time was spent watching rom-coms or true crime. Awkward, right?
So, if your “Watch Again” list is longer than your list of good deeds, it might be time for a little intervention.
Sunnah to the Rescue: The Prophet’s Guidance on Time Management
Here’s where things get interesting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a master of balance. He knew how to spend time wisely, not too much, not too little. Let’s see how his Sunnah can help us reclaim our lives from the binge-watching black hole.
1. Schedule Your Day with Intent
The Prophet (peace be upon him) divided his day into three parts: worship, work, and rest. Now, we’re not saying to quit your job and pray 24/7 (although that’d be impressive). But if you’re spending 10 hours watching a dystopian series and zero hours on prayer, something’s gotta give.
Pro Tip: Set timers for your entertainment. After two episodes, hit pause, pray, and maybe even read a page or two of the Quran. Who knows? You might find it more thrilling than that cliffhanger!
2. Pick Quality Over Quantity
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best deeds are those done regularly, even if they are small” (Bukhari). Apply this to your streaming habits. Instead of binging a whole season, pick one or two shows that are enriching or inspiring. Bonus points if it teaches you something about life, history, or faith.
3. Detox Your Feed… and Mind
It’s not just about the time you spend; it’s about what you’re consuming. The Prophet (peace be upon him) always emphasized staying away from things that harm the heart. If your Netflix queue is filled with content that promotes immorality, maybe it’s time to Marie Kondo your watchlist.
Pro Tip: Replace one hour of Netflix with Islamic content. There are amazing Muslim creators on YouTube, TikTok, and even streaming platforms producing engaging shows, documentaries, and reminders. Think of it as halal entertainment that’ll feed your soul.
4. Embrace the Sunnah of Socializing
When was the last time you hung out with friends or family without a screen involved? The Prophet (peace be upon him) loved spending quality time with his companions, engaging in meaningful conversations. Swap one movie night for a game night or a halaqah (study circle) with friends. You’ll laugh, learn, and feel way more fulfilled.
Practical Tips to Find Balance
- Create a Sunnah-Inspired Schedule: Write down your daily goals, including prayers, work, exercise, and yes, Netflix time (but keep it under control!).
- Pray Before You Play: Prioritize your salah and Quran recitation before hitting play on your favorite show. Trust us; it makes the entertainment feel like a well-earned treat.
- Try the Sunnah Night Routine: The Prophet (peace be upon him) would pray Isha, recite some Quran, and then sleep early. Can you imagine how much better you’d feel waking up for Fajr if you swapped those midnight marathons for this routine?
- Fast From Streaming: Just like fasting during Ramadan helps detox your body and soul, a weekend without Netflix can refresh your mind and realign your priorities. Challenge yourself to go 48 hours without streaming. You might discover hobbies you’ve been ignoring!
A Final Thought (No Spoilers)
Netflix isn’t the enemy, but letting it control your time and priorities might be. As Gen Z Muslims, we’re all about living our best lives while staying true to our deen. The key is balance. By sprinkling in a little Sunnah wisdom and rethinking how we spend our time, we can enjoy our favorite shows without compromising our faith.
So, next time you hear the words, “Are you still watching?” take it as a sign, not just from Netflix, but maybe from Allah too. Pause, reflect, and remember your purpose. Now, go on and finish that episode… after you’ve prayed, of course!
Stay blessed and balanced, fam! And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow binge-watchers. Who knows? You might just save someone from a midnight Netflix spiral.