You’re scrolling through Instagram, double-tapping TikToks, or binge-watching YouTube shorts. Life in the digital lane is fast, fun, and full of virtual BFFs, right? But here’s the kicker: how deep are these connections? If the Wi-Fi cuts out (astaghfirullah!), would these friendships survive? Let’s take a spiritual detour and ask: What would Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say about our digital connections vs. real-life friendships?
Grab your chai latte (or your halal bubble tea), and let’s chat!
Step 1: Slide into Real-Life Friendships, Sunnah Style
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was all about real, meaningful connections. He didn’t have WhatsApp groups or Snap streaks to maintain, but his relationships were rock-solid. He’d meet his companions face-to-face, listen to them fully, and uplift their spirits. Imagine being greeted by him with his warm smile, the type that made hearts feel lighter.
Would he vibe with your DM strategy? Probably not. He’d be the guy who shows up at your house, checks in on your mental health, and leaves you feeling like you just had an emotional spa day. IRL (in-real-life) connections > any number of Instagram followers.
Step 2: Quality Over Quantity
Here’s the thing about digital friendships: they can be as shallow as your cousin’s kiddie pool. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to value quality over quantity in relationships. One solid friend who helps you stay on the Straight Path (think someone who reminds you to pray Fajr) is better than 500 followers who’ll ghost you faster than a Snapchat streak.
He once said:
“The example of a good companion in comparison with a bad one is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith’s bellows.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Translation for us Gen Z peeps? Good friends make your life smell amazing, while toxic ones leave you with the stink of bad vibes. Don’t let digital clout fool you into investing in hollow friendships.
Step 3: Balance the Digital and the Divine
Let’s get real, going cold turkey on social media is probably not happening. And that’s okay! Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) wasn’t about extremes; he was all about balance. He would likely say, “Keep your Insta game strong, but don’t let it replace your salaah.” Okay, he didn’t actually say that, but you get the drift.
Use your platforms wisely. Send a thoughtful reminder to pray, share a hadith, or hype up your friends’ accomplishments in a halal way (no evil eye drama, please). Just don’t let the scrolling become your sole source of connection. Balance it with face-to-face meetups, like attending a halaqah or grabbing shawarma with your squad.
Step 4: Check Your Niyyah (Intention)
Why are you scrolling and liking and posting? Is it to seek approval, fill a void, or just kill time? Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was big on niyyah (intention). If your digital interactions don’t align with your purpose as a Muslim, building community, spreading kindness, or staying grounded, it might be time for a social media detox.
Ask yourself:
- Am I genuinely connecting with people?
- Do my online interactions bring me closer to Allah?
- Would I be cool with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) seeing my DMs?
Step 5: Sunnah Solutions to 21st-Century Problems
Let’s reimagine socializing, Sunnah-style. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged visiting the sick, feeding the poor, and building genuine bonds through acts of kindness. Imagine applying that today:
- Instead of reacting to a meme, call a friend and ask how they’re really doing.
- Host a digital detox picnic, complete with halal snacks and a no-phones rule.
- Volunteer together to serve your community, feeding the homeless or planting trees sounds way cooler than endless scrolling.
IRL connections leave a lasting impact. Your online buddies might “like” your post, but your real-life friends will wipe your tears during hard times.
Step 6: Sprinkle Some Barakah into Friendships
Friendships built for Allah’s sake? Pure gold. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promised immense rewards for friends who love each other solely for the sake of Allah.
“A man went to visit a brother in another town, and Allah sent an angel to wait for him on his way… The angel said: ‘I am a messenger to you from Allah, to inform you that Allah loves you as you love him for His sake.’” (Muslim)
So, next time you connect with someone, do it with barakah in mind. Pray for your friends. Send a heartfelt dua in the group chat. These little actions ripple into something way bigger than any viral post.
The Final Scroll
Look, your digital friendships aren’t inherently bad. They’re fun, convenient, and a part of modern life. But don’t let them replace the power of face-to-face connections, the kind Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) valued deeply. Build your squad with care, keep your intentions pure, and always prioritize what’s real over what’s virtual.
So, the next time you’re tempted to lose yourself in the endless scroll, ask yourself: WWMPD, What Would Muhammad (peace be upon him) Do? You already know the answer.
Now, go hug your real-life bestie. And don’t forget to make dua for them!