We live in the era of technology. It grows faster and faster by the day so that we have to keep up with the change. Not to deny, technology makes our everyday so much more easier. Everything become more convenient because of technology, from finding information on the web to everyday needs such as food delivery or online shopping.
The power of technologies nowadays is nothing to be underestimated. As a Muslim, we should use technology as a way to improve our iman and Islam. The effect of technology in Islam is very huge, both in the life of Muslims and Islam as the religion itself.
Technology is a result of a continually improved knowledge. Islam is a very flexible religion which is able to keep up with change and modernity. This change is also embraced by Muslims, since they are now using smartphones and internet.
Here are some of the effects of technology in Islam:
1. Strengthening Faith
The use of internet initially unwelcome by the Islamic scholars. Up until today, some of them are still disapproved of the technology. But many Muslims use technology to strengthen their iman to Allah SWT. They often access da’wah from Islamic scholars from all over the world and learn Islam deeper through it. Also read: How to Improve Faith in Islam
2. Make Young Muslims Easier to Learn About Islam
Technology and social media are very close to young people. We can’t deny that Islamic knowledge can be somehow boring for them since it’s all about history. The existence of technology has thankfully solve this matter, and young Muslims are able to learn about Islam in a more friendly way.
3. Provide Education to Children
Islamic education should be started from very young age. Children should understand their basic obligation, about iman and Islam. Educating children is easier and fun by using technology. There are many Islamic app that can be downloaded for free to teach children how to read Quran, doing prayers, and wudu. Also read: Importance of Islam In Education
4. Giving Freedom to Muslim Women
According to Islam, women are to stay at home, taking care of the children and household while the husband is working hard outside. Internet and technology gives freedom to woman to work form home, supporting the family’s finance. They can start online business while looking after the family.
5. Spreading Da’wah Online
Islamic preachers are now using technology to spread their da’wah as wide as possible. They often recorded it and upload it later on Youtube or doing the da’wah live via Facebook. This is a very positive impact of technology for Islam. Also read: Effects of Social Media on Islam
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6. Sending Messages About Islam Throughout the World
In recent years, there many violent and terrorism act associated with Islam. This caused misunderstanding and misconception about our beautiful religion. People could learn about the true Islam through the internet so that any misunderstanding can be cleared.
7. Minimizing the Conflict and War
Pace can be maintained by technology and war can be prevented. There are US based NGO called PeaceTech Lab that use technology and internet to prevent conflict in Middle East Muslim countries such as Syria. They created app that can downloaded for free via smartphone. Also read: How to Deal with Family Conflict in Islam
8. A Place to Grow Business
Technology is very benefiting for Muslims who start their own business. The promotion and marketing become easier and more effective through the internet. Also, it doesn’t require large amount of money. Technology is very helpful when it’s used for good.
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9. Fastest Way to Collect Fund and Charity
Social awareness grow really fast through the internet. Thankfully, it makes us easier to do good deeds and help our fellow Muslim brother who is in need. Doing charity is now can be done through the internet and the people in every part of the world can participate in the charity. Also read: Benefits of Charity in Islam
10. Opportunity to Increase Knowledge
Seeking knowledge counted as a good deed in Islam. A useful knowledge that passed down from people to people even counted as deeds that never stop after the people die. Seeking for knowledge is not always in school but actually can be done through other ways. Internet and technology are good combination to seek for knowledge in the modern years. We can learn about Islam through the smartphone and it’s very convenience sine we can access it anywhere and anytime.
11. As a Reminder of Prayer Time
Daily activities, working way too seriously can make unaware of the time that has passed. Unknowingly we missed the prayer time and end up unable to fulfill the five obligatory prayers daily. Thanks to Islamic app on smartphone, we are reminded of the prayer time everyday. So no matter how busy we are, we won’t miss the time to pray. Also read: Prayers to Get Your Hope Accepted
12. Help Muslims to Find the Ka’bah Direction
When Muslims travel, they usually find it hard to find the Ka’bah direction. If there are mosque nearby, it won’t be problem. But what if we go to a non Muslim country where mosque is hard to find? Smartphone and other devices such as smartwatch can work as compass to show the direction, making Muslims more convenience to perform prayers.
13. A Medium to Learn Quran Anytime
Quran are given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Arabic language. But not every Muslims speaks Arabian nor understand it well. Learning the meaning of Quran are easier for non Arabic Muslims since there are many Quran app provide any spoken language in the world. It makes learning Quran easier for Muslims.
A good Muslim should use technology wisely. Technology should bring people’s life to a better level, so get rid and avoid of all the negativity. Making use of technology to spread Islam around the world and committing good deeds to show what the real principle of Islam.