Iman was born and raised in London. She is a former teacher who taught English as a Foreign Language in Saudi Arabia for almost a decade. Iman loves walking in Central London with her sisters, visiting galleries and museums, reading, writing, travelling and learning about other cultures.
In this modern era, social media has consumed young and old alike. It is easy to become distracted from our purpose in life. This is especially so when we see the temptation, and ‘showing off’ of possessions, children and spouses all in the name of likes and monetary gain. The more likes and views, the more money there is to be made. Some of these ‘influencers’ may fail to realise that a portion of their audience are struggling financially and thus don’t have the means to access the luxury and excess that is being displayed. Likewise, the presentation of having seemingly ‘perfect lives’ and ‘perfect marriages’ can cause those content with their spouses and their lives to start to feel envy and jealousy. Women, in particular, may start to wonder why their husbands are not able to afford them a luxurious lifestyle, thus arousing feelings of discontent towards them.
What must we remember?
As a reminder to myself first, as well as our dear and valued sisters, worshipping Allah (SWT) and serving Him is our purpose in life.
“I have not created the jinn and mankind except to worshipme” (Qur’an 51:56)
Our identity is not based on wealth and social media likes. Allah (SWT) does not look at our physical form and possessions, but rather looks at our hearts.
“Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your deeds and your hearts.” (Muslim)
Sadly, many sisters and brothers have become dissatisfied with their lives due to some Muslim ‘influencers’ bragging about what they own, going on extravagant shopping trips and luxury holidays abroad.
The most important thing to seek is iman (faith). Allah (SWT) bestows wealth on those He loves and those He doesn’t. Being blessed with wealth does not mean He loves you. However, Allah (SWT) only bestows Iman (faith) upon those He loves – how great is that! Let us strive to please the Lord and increase in iman by fulfilling our worship and doing good deeds.
Social media makes it easy to be unhappy with Allah (SWT)’s decree for us. Especially when Shaitan paints this life as the sole goal, making us forget the hereafter and comparing our lives to those of others.
“Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, lest you belittle the favours of Allah given to you.” (Muslim)
Remember that many ‘influencers’ curate a ‘perfect’ version of their lives. They do not feature the difficulties or trials that they may face. In fact, we have seen many well-known Muslim ‘influencer’ couples with several followers divorce, despite seeming to be so happy and in love.
Let us be content with the decree of Allah (SWT) upon us and not compare ourselves to those who seem to have more than us.
How can we use social media more responsibly?
It is unrealistic to completely shun social media in this age. Social media can also be a source of good depending on how we engage with it.
We can give dawah to non-Muslims and Muslims alike by posting Islamic content online, such as verses from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
There are also excellent scholars, students of knowledge and Islamic ‘influencers’ and personalities that we can follow and gain beneficial knowledge from.
Social media has also democratised the way we watch media, especially the devastating events in Gaza, Sudan and other places. Everyone can be a citizen journalist. The mass media no longer controls the narrative. Social media has given a voice to the voiceless.
Lastly, we should avoid ‘influencers’ that boast and brag online. We must not allow the Shaitan to cause us to become ungrateful of the gifts and bounties that The Creator bestows upon us. Let us not be displeased with the decree of The Lord. Whatever has been decreed for us is for the best, even if we are unable to comprehend it. Allah (SWT) knows best!
