Noorin Qamar, India
The pandemic and a virtual lifestyle
It has now been just over five years since the world first grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns propelled the adoption of communication technologies to new heights and daily life shifted into the virtual realm. Our generation soon became entangled in the web of smart devices. With globalisation and the internet’s reach growing ever stronger and entangling many people into virtual temptations, it is vital for us to reflect on how best to live our lives and heed the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
In this article, I will outline some of Huzoor’saa instructions and suggest practical steps to protect ourselves from the harms of the internet and smart devices.
Technology’s impact on children
The spread of technology raises serious concerns for parents about their children’s physical and mental well-being. Devices can harm not only the eyes but also the soul.
Toys and physical play are increasingly replaced by mobile phones and televisions. Online cartoons can quickly lead to unsuitable material, exposing children to content that may lure them towards activities that help Iblis debase God’s creation.
A call to parents and the Jamaat
Addressing these challenges, Huzooraa has drawn the attention of parents, the Jamaat’s administration and the auxiliary organisations:
“The fornication of the mind and the eyes is real and gradually this behaviour leads to actual sin. Parents [sometimes] are not careful in the beginning, but when the matter gets out of control, they lament and cry that our children have gone astray… our progeny has gone astray. Hence, it is important to be watchful. Do not let children sit in front of the TV when vulgar programmes are shown and be mindful of their internet use.
“Some parents are not highly educated. It is the duty of the Nizam-e-Jamaat [system of the Jamaat] to make them aware. Similarly, Ansarullah, Lajna and Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya should make programmes for their own auxiliaries to safeguard against these evils. Affiliate young boys and girls to the Nizam-e-Jamaat and the auxiliaries so that they always give precedence to their faith. In this regard, mothers and fathers should fully cooperate with the Nizam-e-Jamaat or the auxiliary.” (Social Media, 2019, UK, p. 20)
Two faces of social media
Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and similar platforms host both uplifting pages that strengthen faith and others that promote drug abuse, alcoholism and indecent content.
Advising Lajna Imaillah to reap maximum benefit from modern technology, Huzooraa said:
“As I have said today, we are able to utilise modern technology to convey our teachings. Apart from MTA, we also have Jamaat websites in which programmes and books filled with knowledge and information are easily available. You must seek to avail yourself of these resources and constantly increase your knowledge.” (Ibid., p. 72)
Developing a noble character and self-control
Huzooraa has also issued comprehensive guidance to help Ahmadi youth cultivate noble characters and self-discipline:
“The misuse of the Internet and social media is becoming increasingly common and this includes inappropriate chatting between boys and girls online. Similarly, the Internet is being used to watch indecent and immoral films, including pornography. The smoking of cigarettes or the use of shisha are also examples of vices that are spreading. Furthermore, even the permissible things can cause harm if they are misused.” (Ibid., p. 46)
He also cautioned that many modern films negatively influence viewers in the name of creativity, whereas MTA provides healthy, faith-inspiring alternatives:
“Thus, in the current era, media has brought us closer to each other not just within a country but around the world. Unfortunately, rather than bringing us closer to virtues, it has brought us closer to following Satan. Under such circumstances, an Ahmadi should be extremely watchful of his own state. Allah the Exalted has bestowed MTA on us. Allah the Exalted has given us a website for the spiritual and educational programmes of Jamaat. We can only stay focused on it if we pay full attention to it. This will take us near to God and we will be saved from Satan.” (Ibid., p. 71)
Practical steps for families
The internet is unlikely to recede; indeed, advances in artificial intelligence make vigilance even more crucial. Keeping Huzoor’saa guidance in view, the following practical steps can help, insha-Allah:
For children (to be implemented by parents)
- Engage children in indoor and outdoor games, puzzles and word problems using books rather than apps.
- Share stories of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, his Companionsra, the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa to build a moral foundation.
- Limit your own phone use in front of children; they learn by watching you.
- Spend weekends visiting parks, museums and playgrounds.
- Encourage children to tidy their own toys and books, distracting them from unnecessary screen time.
- Supervise devices whenever children must use them for schoolwork, ensuring they do not stumble upon unsuitable sites.
For busy parents
- Sit with your children each evening and ask about their day in a loving, non-interrogative manner so that they may develop a bond of friendship with you and share their issues, activities and interests with you.
- Monitor behaviour despite a demanding schedule.
- Encourage participation in sports, science projects and educational competitions.
For adults
- Switch off devices and recite istighfar and Ayat-ul-Kursi whenever you feel spiritually low.
- Avoid pages containing indecent content.
- Follow Islamic, educational and health-oriented pages so algorithms suggest wholesome material.
- Keep knowledgeable and righteous people in your friends list.
- Decline friend requests from strangers.
- Lajna members should avoid posting pictures of themselves or their daughters online.
- Try to read printed religious and educational books rather than PDFs.
- Use leisure time for physical activity – sport, gardening, walking, meeting friends and family, and/or exercising – so you rest naturally instead of scrolling aimlessly.
- In my opinion, women can fruitfully occupy themselves with wholesome pursuits centred around the home such as gardening, arts and crafts, cookery and other hobbies. Where privacy allows, they may also take up physical exercise in appropriate settings such as the home, female-only gyms and sports centres, and any other settings which allow them to stay within the boundaries of purdah and decency.
Conclusion
By striving to follow Huzoor’saa guidance and adopting disciplined habits, we can shield ourselves from the moral and spiritual perils of the digital age. Effort is essential in every sphere of life: where there is a will, there is a way. Regular istighfar and durood enrich the soul and fortify us against the snares of Iblis, the arch-enemy of humankind.