Fatimah sat in her living room, phone in hand, endlessly scrolling through Instagram. She sighed as yet another perfectly filtered photo of someone’s avocado toast popped up on her feed. “Seriously? Do people really have time for this?” she thought, with an eye roll worthy of an Oscar. But just as she was about to close the app, she noticed something: the little “like” notifications under her last post kept going up.
You see, a few days earlier, Fatimah had posted a short video about a cause close to her heart—raising awareness on mental health in the Muslim community. In it, she shared her own experience and added some Quranic verses that had helped her through tough times. She had debated whether to post it at all. “Who’s even going to watch this?” she had wondered. But now, the views were climbing, and comments started flooding in—some thanking her for starting the conversation, others opening up about their own struggles.
As Fatimah sat there, she had a realization: social media wasn’t just for sharing your lunch or keeping up with the Kardashians—it was a powerful tool, and she could use it for something bigger than herself.
Later that evening, at a gathering with her friends, Fatimah casually mentioned the impact of her post. “I mean, I didn’t expect so many people to respond,” she said.
One of her friends smirked. “Oh, great! So, does this mean you’re going to start one of those influencer accounts? You know, with hashtags like #BlessedLife and #HijabiGoals?”
Fatimah laughed. “No, no. But hey, why not use this platform for something meaningful? We’re on our phones all day anyway, right?”
Her friend nodded thoughtfully. “You know, you’re onto something. But where do we even start?”
Fatimah’s Guide to Using Social Media for Positive Change:
- Be Intentional About Your Content: “First things first—what’s your purpose on social media? Is it just to share what’s cool, or is it to make a real impact? In the hadith, it says, ‘The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people.’ (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat). Use your platform to spread beneficial knowledge, highlight causes, and inspire others.”
- Share What’s Real: “Let’s be honest, social media can sometimes feel like everyone’s life is perfect. But we know that’s not the case. Share your struggles, your lessons, your real life—not just the filtered version. You never know who needs to hear your story.”
- Use Quran and Hadith to Inspire: “There’s so much wisdom in our faith that can guide and uplift others. Use verses from the Qur’an or Sahih Hadith in your posts to remind people of the bigger picture. One of my favorite verses is: ‘Indeed, with hardship comes ease.’ (Qur’an 94:6). When people are scrolling through a stressful day, a reminder like that can make a huge difference.”
- Promote Causes Close to Your Heart: “We have so many important causes out there—from environmental issues to mental health awareness to humanitarian aid. If something matters to you, talk about it. Use your stories, reels, or posts to raise awareness and direct your followers to ways they can help.”
- Be Kind in Your Interactions: “The online world can get nasty real quick. But as Muslim women, we should lead with kindness, even when we’re dealing with trolls. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.’ (Sahih Muslim). So, spread positivity, respond with grace, and let your interactions be a reflection of your values.”
- Create a Balance: “Social media can easily consume your day if you let it. Set boundaries for yourself so it doesn’t take over your life. Use it with intention—post, engage, then disconnect. Remember that your worth isn’t measured by likes or followers.”
- Build a Supportive Community: “The beauty of social media is that it connects us with people all over the world. Follow and engage with accounts that uplift you and others. Be part of conversations that matter and encourage others to use their voices for good.”
- Be a Role Model for Younger Generations: “Believe it or not, there’s always someone watching and learning from you—even if it’s your little cousin or a younger sister. Show them that being online isn’t just about trends, but also about standing up for what’s right.”
- Don’t Be Afraid to Collaborate: “You don’t have to do it alone! Reach out to other Muslim women, influencers, or even organizations doing great work. Collaborations can amplify your message and extend your reach.”
- Keep it Fun: “Yes, social media can be a tool for change, but it’s also a place to connect and have fun. Share what makes you laugh, post about your hobbies, or create light-hearted content that reflects your personality. The best way to reach people is to stay authentic and enjoy the process.”
Fatimah smiled at her friends. “I’m not saying we all have to start a campaign tomorrow, but if we’re going to spend hours on these apps, why not make it meaningful?”
