So, you just took the perfect selfie with your cat while sipping chai and holding your Quran. Caption ideas are running wild, and you’re ready to hit “Post.” But wait! Let’s talk about something important, should we, as Muslims, really post everything online?
Don’t worry, this isn’t some dry khutbah that’ll put you to sleep. Let’s look at what our favorite influencer of all time, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), might say about what we post online. Spoiler alert: It’s a mix of wisdom, humility, and a sprinkle of humor.
1. Intentions, Bro! Intentions!
Before you share that perfectly curated picture of your avocado toast or flex your latest OOTD (Outfit of the Day, for the uninitiated), ask yourself:
- Why am I posting this?
- What do I hope to achieve?
Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari)
If your post screams, “Look at me, I’m living my best life, and you’re not!” , pause. Is it for likes? Validation? Showing off? If yes, maybe rethink it. But if it’s to inspire, spread goodness, or make someone smile, go ahead. Just make sure it’s halal-level cool.
2. Keep the Private… Private!
Not everything is meant for public eyes, ya know? Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the value of modesty and keeping things low-key. He said:
“Part of the beauty of a person’s Islam is to leave what does not concern them.” (Tirmidhi)
Translation: Nobody needs to know every little detail about your life, what you had for suhoor, your exact travel itinerary, or your latest argument with your cousin Faisal. The Prophet himself lived a balanced life, sharing wisdom without oversharing his personal struggles.
3. Clap Back or Stay Silent?
Oh, the temptation to respond to a troll or drop a snarky comment when someone posts something dumb. But think about how the Prophet (peace be upon him) handled negativity: with kindness and dignity.
When people insulted him, he didn’t roll his eyes and post a 3-minute rant on Snapchat. Instead, he said:
“The strong one is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari)
So, next time someone tweets, “Muslims are XYZ,” channel your inner peace. Remember, blocking is sunnah too!
4. Beware of the Humble Brag!
Okay, let’s get real. We all know that one person who posts a picture of their Quran and tea setup with the caption: “Alhamdulillah for the blessings of Fajr vibes … but you just know it’s staged.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever does something to be seen by people, Allah will expose him.” (Bukhari)
Ouch. Let’s keep it real, folks. Share your deen-related posts to inspire, not to flex. And if you’re tempted to humblebrag, maybe save it for a heart-to-heart with Allah instead.
5. Social Media = Amana (Trust)
Your followers? They’re an amana (trust) from Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The leader of a people is their servant.” (Abu Dawood)
So if you’ve got a platform, even if it’s just your 200 TikTok followers, use it wisely. Post content that lifts people up, makes them laugh, or teaches something valuable. Skip the drama, negativity, or shady posts. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
6. Don’t Be That Person Who Overshares
Did you just post a 47-slide Instagram story about your weekend? Cringe.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised against speaking too much without purpose. Imagine how he’d feel about posting too much! Instead of flooding your followers’ feeds, think quality over quantity. Less is more, my friend.
7. Digital Detox? Sunnah Alert!
Guess what? Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) loved moments of reflection and solitude. He spent time in the cave of Hira for deep thought, without Wi-Fi.
Sometimes, stepping back from social media is the most prophetic move you can make. Try logging off for a day, spending time with family, or diving into nature. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, and maybe with fewer posts about your cat.
The Ultimate Post Checklist
Before you post anything, run it through this Prophet-inspired checklist:
- Is it sincere and for a good purpose?
- Does it respect your and others’ privacy?
- Does it spread positivity or wisdom?
- Would you show it to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) if he were scrolling your feed?
Final Thoughts
Social media can be a powerful tool to spread good vibes and knowledge. But remember, every like, comment, and share is being “recorded” in a more permanent way, by Allah. So, let’s post wisely, laugh lightly, and always keep it halal-level awesome.
Alright, that’s enough wisdom for today. Go ahead, share this blog post… but only after asking yourself if your intentions are pure.