Digital faith: living as a believer in a world of IT
The digital age has become a new era for humanity.
Smartphones, apps, video streaming and instant messaging have all permeated our everyday lives and changed the very fabric of social life. However, one question remains pressing: how can we maintain spiritual guidance amidst this rapid technological advancement? And what does Islam, a religion that embraces all spheres of existence, have to say about this?
Today, Muslims face a unique opportunity like never before: using digital resources for the benefit of their faith. But they also face a serious threat: losing their essence, succumbing to the temptations of unlimited “freedom” on the Internet. Where is the line between what is permitted and what is forbidden? And how can we navigate this path with dignity?
Technology is a gift if one knows how to use it
The Koran was revealed to humanity with the command (meaning): “Read!” (Sura Al-Alaq, ayah 1), and this is the first word addressed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. With these words, the era of revelation, guidance, and enlightenment began. From the very beginning, Islam elevated knowledge to the level of worship, making it an integral part of the path to Allah ﷻ.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Seeking knowledge is the duty of every Muslim.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah).
Today, in the age of technology, knowledge is literally at our fingertips. Smartphones, tablets, computers: all of this has become gateways to a vast ocean of Islamic scholarship: apps with the Koran and its translations, hadiths with commentary, online lessons on fiqh (Islamic law) and tafsir (Koranic exegesis), Arabic courses, lectures on the life of the Prophet ﷺ, and much more – all accessible anywhere in the world. Is not this a great blessing from Allah ﷻ? Now, to learn and develop, one does not need to travel to distant lands. A sincere intention and a couple of clicks are enough and knowledge is available.
For example, in Russia’s regions, religious administrations are actively use these opportunities.
In Dagestan, the Republic’s Muftiyat publishes fatwas, articles and video messages from the mufti and scholars on current topics through the website www.muftiyatrd.ru. The Islam.ru channel attracts tens of thousands of views, becoming a bridge between scholars and the people. The clergy’s social media platforms have become full-fledged platforms for education, dialogue and spiritual support. YouTube channels and Telegram pages are all tools of modern enlightenment. They demonstrate that religion and progress are not enemies, but allies. True religion will always keep pace with life, responding to the challenges of the times.
Knowledge is an honour, a strength, and a mercy from the Almighty.
Today, the doors to learning the religion, delving deeper into religious studies, and strengthening iman (faith) are open to each of us. All that remains is to take a step and begin the journey. May modern technology not be a means of distraction, but a tool for drawing closer to Allah ﷻ. May knowledge acquired with sincere intention become a light in the life of every Muslim.
The Digital Ummah: a mosque without walls
The digital age has erased distances. Today, we can listen to sermons from scholars from different countries, participate in online lessons, ask questions of imams, and give alms (sadaqa) and zakat with just a few taps. We see the needs of our ummah in different corners of the world, pray together and connect with our brothers in faith without leaving our homes.
During the pandemic, the digital environment became a salvation for millions of Muslims: mosques were closed but spiritual connection remained. Online khutbahs, video broadcasts and live streams of tarawih prayers: all of this has become a bridge between hearts. Praise be to Allah ﷻ, this is an undoubted blessing.
But in this ocean of information lies danger. Today, anyone can create a page, put on a head covering, speak with confidence and appear knowledgeable. But who is there in front of you on the screen? A trusted theologian, or an impostor with charisma and dangerous rhetoric?
Unfortunately, today the internet has become not only a medium for education but also a breeding ground for radicalisation. We see young people falling into the traps of extremists, starting with seemingly innocent videos or chats. Without deep knowledge, without a well-established worldview, without a connection to a mosque, they become vulnerable to manipulation.
Therefore, for a sincere Muslim, the golden rule is important: take religion only from those who are proven, who have not been known to harbor extremist views. From those who do not hide behind anonymous nicknames. Those who are connected to a jamaat, a mosque or scholars, who are well-known in their community and who have a chain of transmission of knowledge, not just loud pronouncements.
A true alim (scholar) does not incite hatred; he calls to worship God. A scholar does not shout slogans; he teaches with respect and patience. A true mentor does not hide in the shadows of servers, but stands openly with his students, face to face.
The Internet is a tool. It can be a blessing if you know what you are looking for and who you are getting it from. But it can also lead to confusion if you trust the first “teacher” you come across.
Remember the words of the Prophet ﷺ: “Whoever follows the path of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him.” (Narrated by Muslim). But the path of knowledge is not just a Google search. It requires sincere intention, patience, and the right teachers.
Law and Religion: responsibility in both worlds
Some believe the Internet is a free zone where one can say anything. But this is not true, both from the perspective of secular law and from the perspective of religious norms.
Nowadays even a simple repost in social media can lead to legal action. It is important for a Muslim to adhere to these norms, not out of fear, but out of a sense of mission. We are the face of our religion. And our image reflects the image of Islam in the eyes of others. But there is a higher judgment than any earthly one – the Judgment of the Almighty. The Messenger of God ﷺ said: “A person may utter a word without giving it any meaning, yet it may lead to Hellfire.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Today, that word is a comment, a message, a stories. Everything is recorded. Nothing is hidden from the Almighty. Even if you deleted it, the angels have already written it down.
Digital hygiene for a Muslim: seven tips
- Use only trusted Islamic apps. Do not download everything. It is best to get a list of recommended ones from the imam.
- Listen to renowned preachers. Not those who preach hiding in the shadows of the internet, but those you can see in the mosque.
- Observe the laws. Do not write, publish, or distribute anything you are ashamed of. Both in front of people and in front of Allah ﷻ.
- Protect your personal information. Set up privacy on social media.
- Monitor what your children watch. Set filters, talk to them. Let you, not the Internet, be their teacher.
- Filter your subscriptions. Remove channels and pages that ruin your character. Add those that strengthen your faith.
- Use technology for good. Give sadaqa online, listen to dhikr, attend the mosque, memorise verses. Let technology serve your faith.
The Internet is a test. You decide whether to press “send” or “delete”, whether to engage in an argument or remain silent, whether to publish a lie or refrain.
A digital Muslim is not just a user. He is the one who brings Islam into a new era. Let our digital lives be a testimony of faith, not a source of shame on the Day of Judgment. The Almighty Creator has power over words and silence. Let our words be something for which we are rewarded, not something for which we are ashamed... both here and there.
