Barely a decade ago, our lives were free of the social media construct. Sadly despite being a construct, its distract and disrupt cannot be underestimated or is it overestimated.
Estimate: that is the middle ground either way. Proponents have argued for and against social media use based on specific factors.
But as it is with social media, so is the case with the bigger picture of technology. It's like the proverbial "fire is a good servant but it can be a bad master too."
As I have previously averred, it's important to plan towards a key event as Ramadan - but in today's tech-bossing world, to not plan its use even on a normal/ordinary day costs key resources of time and even relationships.
A friend and I entered a discussion on how each uses technology in Ramadan, the basis on which I share a few points - if it is the will of Allah, that it benefits us all. No hard and fast rules, modify to suit your particular circumstances.
1. Avoid the impulsive regime of checking especially social media - Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram - a regulated regime helps save and to free time for other things.
2. Instead plan materials you wish to post. Update and leave till next designated entry. Example, post in the mornings and evenings.
3. If it's a Ramadan series you are following example Mufti Menk, check them and leave - take notes if need be. Have an Islamic site where you go to read relevant rulings on Ramadan. Save pages and bookmarks for later reading.
4. When going to sleep have Qur'an playing through the night - could be with your phone or laptop.
5. If you have constant internet - utilise the blessing of YouTube, log on to LIVE MAKKAH/MADINA page where there is all day round recitation of Qur'an, supplications and prayers. You could lower the voice if at work for example.
6. Avoid social media especially in mosques if you know un-Islamic materials are likely to pop up on your timeline - kinda desecrates the sanctity of the masjid.
7. Buy data for persons you know are good content sharers - feed off the good they are engaged in.
8. Share/retweet/like as much Islamic material as possible - but be sure to read and understand what you are "sharing."If need be, verify them especially hadith (prophetic sayings).
9. Avoid by all means, overindulgence in matters, use direct messaging if need be, for other online "litigants," you can only pray for them, please do.
10. Start use of social media with "seeking refuge from Allah" and with "In the name of Allah."
The gold referred to in the headline is time - the irredeemable asset once wasted. The asset of which many sayings of the Prophet has centered on.
And the prophet said of time: "There are two blessings of which many people are heedless of: health and time." An Arabic adage adds: Time is like a sword, if you don't cut it (streamline) it'll cut you (sideline) you. Time is gold, y'all make the best of time and may Allah guide us so to do. Ameen.
Estimate: that is the middle ground either way. Proponents have argued for and against social media use based on specific factors.
But as it is with social media, so is the case with the bigger picture of technology. It's like the proverbial "fire is a good servant but it can be a bad master too."
As I have previously averred, it's important to plan towards a key event as Ramadan - but in today's tech-bossing world, to not plan its use even on a normal/ordinary day costs key resources of time and even relationships.
A friend and I entered a discussion on how each uses technology in Ramadan, the basis on which I share a few points - if it is the will of Allah, that it benefits us all. No hard and fast rules, modify to suit your particular circumstances.
1. Avoid the impulsive regime of checking especially social media - Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram - a regulated regime helps save and to free time for other things.
2. Instead plan materials you wish to post. Update and leave till next designated entry. Example, post in the mornings and evenings.
3. If it's a Ramadan series you are following example Mufti Menk, check them and leave - take notes if need be. Have an Islamic site where you go to read relevant rulings on Ramadan. Save pages and bookmarks for later reading.
4. When going to sleep have Qur'an playing through the night - could be with your phone or laptop.
5. If you have constant internet - utilise the blessing of YouTube, log on to LIVE MAKKAH/MADINA page where there is all day round recitation of Qur'an, supplications and prayers. You could lower the voice if at work for example.
6. Avoid social media especially in mosques if you know un-Islamic materials are likely to pop up on your timeline - kinda desecrates the sanctity of the masjid.
7. Buy data for persons you know are good content sharers - feed off the good they are engaged in.
8. Share/retweet/like as much Islamic material as possible - but be sure to read and understand what you are "sharing."If need be, verify them especially hadith (prophetic sayings).
9. Avoid by all means, overindulgence in matters, use direct messaging if need be, for other online "litigants," you can only pray for them, please do.
10. Start use of social media with "seeking refuge from Allah" and with "In the name of Allah."
The gold referred to in the headline is time - the irredeemable asset once wasted. The asset of which many sayings of the Prophet has centered on.
And the prophet said of time: "There are two blessings of which many people are heedless of: health and time." An Arabic adage adds: Time is like a sword, if you don't cut it (streamline) it'll cut you (sideline) you. Time is gold, y'all make the best of time and may Allah guide us so to do. Ameen.
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