A PRACTICAL ISLAMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTING MUSLIM YOUTH FROM THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

The contemporary era is marked by intense spiritual challenges (Fitnah), with social media posing a major threat to the faith and spirituality of Muslim youth. This platform not only provides easy access to temptation but also simultaneously propagates various forms of Fitnah, leading youth away from the straight path. To combat this, this article proposes a practical, multi-faceted Islamic framework designed to protect the faith and well-being of the younger generation.

The framework is structured around several key pillars rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. It begins with the need to seek Allah’s refuge and strengthen faith through foundational acts of worship like prayer (Salah), developing patience, and practicing fasting to build self-control (Taqwa). Essential spiritual disciplines are also highlighted, including protecting the gaze, engaging in remembrances (Adhkar) and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and deep pondering (Tadabbur) on the Quran and creation.

Complementary to spiritual fortification, the framework includes a section on "Social Media Detox," recommending practical steps such as unfollowing harmful accounts, turning off notifications, and taking social media fasts to break addiction. Furthermore, it stresses cultivating a healthy lifestyle to benefit physical, spiritual, and mental health, and the crucial need to develop self-control by striving for the 'self at peace' (Nafs al-Mutmainnah). Other essential components include getting rid of bad habits and company, nurturing an attitude of gratitude (Shukr), and making a spiritual migration from evil to goodness. Finally, the article emphasizes remembering the consequences and warnings of the Hereafter, maintaining consistency (Istiqamah) in good deeds, and utilizing supplication (Dua) as a powerful tool for divine protection from all Fitnah.