Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink — it is a complete training program for the soul. This episode serves as a frank reminder about the spiritual pitfalls that can undermine the blessings of this sacred month, particularly the misuse of social media and the exposure of oneself to fitna (temptation) during a time meant for spiritual growth and self-discipline.
Facebook, Gossip, and the Wolves on the Hunt
What starts as an innocent “hello” on social media can quickly spiral into conversations with the opposite gender without parental knowledge, exchanging photos that should never be public, and feeding an ego that grows further from Allah with every “like.” Sisters strike a pose, brothers post things that have no place on a Muslim’s account, and the angel on the right hand is writing down deeds — but are they good ones? Shaytan is described as the biggest pimp, and his job is to trap believers through precisely these channels.
“The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: to say something about your brother that he would not like when he is not present — that is backbiting. And to say something that is not even true — that is slander.”
Making the Most of Ramadan
- This month is training ground — the discipline developed now should carry through the rest of the year
- Guard your tongue from gossip and backbiting just as you guard your stomach from food and drink
- Lower your gaze and stay away from content that decreases your iman — what comes out of your mouth matters more than what goes in
- Sisters who begin wearing hijab during Ramadan should not remove it once the month ends — and brothers must hold themselves to the same standard of modesty
“Ask yourself at every moment: is Allah pleased with me right now? Am I earning His pleasure, or am I getting closer to the Fire?”
