– Madeeha Nida
Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
We all know this is the generation of digital presence. The digital world has become a stage where creativity, talent, and influence can create magic, especially among youngsters. But along with that power, many have lost direction. The same platforms that can spread goodness are now leading countless hearts astray. Modesty, once a value we carried in our speech, dress, and behaviour, is now being tested through our screens.
Earlier, I wrote about what modesty truly means. Modesty is not just in dress, but in our thoughts, words, and actions. Now, let’s take a step further and see how it connects to our digital lives. How are we, as youth, getting trapped in unhealthy online habits. And more importantly, how can we make a comeback, reclaim our modesty, and use our digital presence as a tool of purpose and taqwa.
Are Our Screens Stealing Our Haya?
Ask yourselves honestly, are our screens stealing our haya?
Let’s be honest, most of us are not addicted to technology, but we are truly seeking attention. Likes, comments, followers, these have become our source of validation. Slowly, we are starting to post not what benefits others, but what impresses them. We are chasing trends that compromise our values, sharing pictures only to impress others, losing our dignity, losing that quiet dignity Islam teaches us.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (Ibn Majah 4181)
Today, modesty is lost not on the streets but on our own screens.
Our Scrolling Time
We are scrolling hours and hours. We are opening many platforms. Scrolling one reel turns into ten, one post into a hundred before we realise. And when we start realising, our minds are already filled with images, words, and lifestyles which are slowly killing our spiritual sensitivity.
Even though we know that the more we consume, the less we reflect, the more we compare our lifestyles with others, the more we feel inadequate. Despite knowing this, we waste time.
Indeed, Allah has already warned us about this loss of time in Surah Al-Asr: “By time, indeed mankind is at a loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other with patience.”
Every minute we waste online without purpose is part of that loss. The question that determines our change is are we among those who believe and use time wisely, or among those who are wasting time through endless scrolling?
Using the Internet the Right Way
Digital modesty is not about deleting every app or disappearing from the digital world. It’s about thinking intentionally. Just think before you post if it’s bringing you closer to Allah or just feeding your ego, before you like if you’re supporting something good or something harmful, and before you share if it’s helping someone grow or just feeding the nafs.
In the Qur’an, Allah the Exalted says in Surah Az-Zalzalah, verses 7-8: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
Our devices can harm us or help us, just like a coin that has two sides. One side can harm us, and the other can help us. It depends on how we use it. The choice is always ours. So, let your online actions be something you’ll be proud to show on the Day of Judgment.
From Addiction to Intention
You don’t need to delete an account to come back. It definitely starts with discipline.
- Spend time online with purpose.
Don’t open apps just to kill time, open them to learn or share good.
- Unfollow what weakens your Iman.
If it makes you forget Allah the Exalted or feel low, let it go.
- Fix small limits first.
Start with 30 minutes less screen time each day and use that time for the Qur’an or reflection.
- Fill your feed with goodness.
Follow pages that remind you of Deen, kindness, and purpose.
- Pause before you post.
Ask: “Will Allah be pleased with this?” If not, don’t post it.
“And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways.” (Surah Al-Ankabut: 69)
From now on, try to turn your digital world into a garden of dhikr, reflection, and growth. Post something that reminds others of Allah the Exalted.
Use your creativity and your words for da‘wah, and your skills for greater impact. “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah: 2)
Scrolling with Taqwa
Always remember your online presence is part of your accountability before Allah the Exalted. The angels, kiraman katibin don’t stop recording when you go online. Your privacy settings might hide your sins from people, but not from your Creator. “Not a word does he utter except that with him is an observer ready (to record).” (Surah Qaf: 18)
So before you scroll, ask yourself: “Would I still open this if the Prophet ﷺ were sitting beside me?” That’s what scrolling with taqwa looks like being conscious, honest, and clean. “Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – all of those will be questioned.” (Surah Al-Isra: 36)
Digital Modesty Is the New Jihad
In a time where immodesty is one tap away, staying pure is not easy. It’s nothing but jihad. Always choose self-control instead of desire, honesty instead of showing off, and faith instead of fame. Remember, Allah sees it.
“And Allah does not let the reward of the doers of good be lost.” (Surah At-Tawbah: 120)
That small, hidden act of self-control might be worth more to Allah than a thousand likes. So, let’s not delete our online presence. Let’s purify it. Let’s be a generation that doesn’t just live online, but shows Islam online. Let’s scroll with taqwa.
