Ah, the internet! The land of memes, cat videos, and unhinged comment sections. For us young Gen Z Muslims navigating this digital jungle, it can sometimes feel like we’re stuck in an unending loop of “reply all,” but with drama. And then there’s cyberbullying, the ultimate troll boss fight of the internet. How do we deal with it? Well, spoiler alert: the Sunnah has answers. Yes, even for this!
Let’s unpack this in the style of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ὔالله عليه وسلم) – because no, there wasn’t Twitter in 7th-century Arabia, but the principles of his life apply just as much to our Insta DM slide situations as they did to his time. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Block, Mute, or Unfollow with Grace
First things first: Don’t engage with haters. One of the Prophet’s most iconic responses to hostility was silence. When people hurled insults or harsh words at him, he didn’t clap back with a 40-tweet thread. Instead, he chose patience, wisdom, and maintaining his dignity.
Translation for today: Hit that block button like it’s Sunnah. You don’t owe toxic people your mental energy. Mute them, unfollow them, or straight-up delete their negativity from your life. Think of it as a digital hijrah – migrating away from bad vibes to protect your peace. And no, it’s not petty; it’s prophetic.
2. Kill ‘Em with Kindness – or Dua
The Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) taught us to repay evil with good. Remember that time when he visited the lady who threw trash at him, and she was so moved by his compassion that she became Muslim? Absolute legend vibes.
Now, obviously, we’re not telling you to be all buddy-buddy with your cyberbullies (unless you’re feeling that righteous level of sabr). But the modern-day equivalent could be as simple as:
- Leaving a neutral comment instead of clapping back.
- Sending a quick dua their way (“Ya Allah, guide this keyboard warrior”).
- Or just responding with, “I’ll pray for you.” (It’s the ultimate mic drop.)
3. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
The Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) had clear boundaries. He was approachable and kind, but he also knew when to draw the line. For example, he didn’t entertain unnecessary arguments or let others disrespect his mission.
For us, this means setting our digital boundaries. Not every comment needs a response. Not every argument is worth your emotional investment. Take a deep breath, log off if you need to, and remember: you’re not obligated to prove your worth to people hiding behind anime profile pics.
4. Seek Your Squad – and Allah’s Support
The Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) built a strong community around him. When things got tough, he leaned on his companions for support. He had Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (ὔالله عنهم), who had his back in every situation.
Similarly, don’t deal with cyberbullying alone. Share what you’re going through with trusted friends, family, or even a mentor. There’s strength in numbers. And above all, remember to make dua. The ultimate Helper is just a prayer away. (Also, pro tip: recite Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Falaq for spiritual protection against trolls and haters.)
5. Don’t Let the Haters Dim Your Light
The Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) faced constant criticism, mockery, and slander. Yet, he never let it stop him from spreading his message or being true to himself. His resilience was unmatched.
Take a page from his book: Don’t let online negativity define you. Keep being your authentic, amazing self. Post your halal food pics, share your Quran journaling journey, and flex your Muslim drip unapologetically. You’re here to thrive, not just survive.
6. When in Doubt, Log Out
Sometimes, the best response to cyberbullying is to unplug. Even the Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) took time away from the chaos of Mecca by retreating to the Cave of Hira. It’s a Sunnah move to prioritize your mental health.
Take a break from the screens. Go for a walk. Pray two rak‘ahs. Watch a halal Netflix show (you know, the one that’s been sitting on your list forever). Recharging your iman and mental health is self-care, not selfish.
7. Remember Your Ultimate Goal
Lastly, keep the big picture in mind. The Prophet (ὔالله عليه وسلم) always kept his mission, pleasing Allah, at the forefront of his actions. He didn’t get sidetracked by petty squabbles because he knew his purpose.
When dealing with cyberbullies, remember why you’re here: to worship Allah and live your best Muslim life. Your worth isn’t tied to likes, followers, or what some random stranger says online. Allah sees your efforts, and that’s what truly matters.
Final Thoughts
Living the prophetic way doesn’t mean you’ll never face challenges. But it does give you the tools to handle them with wisdom, patience, and grace. Cyberbullying might be a 21st-century issue, but the solutions are timeless. So, the next time someone comes for you online, channel your inner prophetic energy, sprinkle in some sabr, and remember: You’ve got this, inshaAllah.
Now go forth, young Muslim warriors of the digital age, and slay the trolls (with kindness, of course). And don’t forget to drop a dua for me while you’re at it.