Assalamu Alaikum dear brothers & sisters, Let’s talk about something really important: the online content our kids are consuming. As Muslims, we’re reminded in the Quran, “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, but do what they are commanded.” (66:6)
The Dangers of Personal | Family Vlogs
Personal | Family vlogs often start as a fun way for families to share their daily lives, showcase their kids’ milestones, and connect with others. However, these vlogs can quickly take a wrong turn into Fitnah (temptation). What begins as a harmless toy review or a fun challenge can rapidly escalate into exposure to filthy manners, inappropriate language, and even explicit content.
But here’s the thing: many of these vloggers are driven by one thing – money. They don’t care about the impact their content has on the community, let alone the potential harm it can cause to our innocent little ummah. They’re more concerned with generating views, likes, and subscriptions to rake in the dough. “It’s all about the benjamins, baby!” Astagfir’Allah!
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned, “A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so beware whom you befriend.” (Tirmidhi) By allowing our kids to watch these vlogs, we’re essentially befriending them with influences that may contradict our Islamic values. And let’s be real, these vloggers are not exactly the best of friends to have.
The Dangers of Shorts
Now, let’s talk about shorts. These bite-sized videos can be incredibly damaging to our kids’ mental and spiritual well-being. Here’s why:
- Lack of context: Shorts often lack context, making it difficult for our kids to understand the bigger picture or the underlying message.
- Unpredictability: We never know what’s coming next, which can be overwhelming and even triggering for some kids.
- Addictive nature: Shorts are designed to be addictive, encouraging our kids to keep watching, swiping, and clicking.
- Distraction from meaningful content: By consuming shorts, our kids might be missing out on more meaningful and educational content that can benefit them in the long run.
- Desensitization: Exposure to loud music, dance, or other inappropriate content can desensitize our kids to the negativity and harm associated with these things.
Imagine this: your kid watches a short Islamic video, and then, without warning, they’re exposed to something that completely contradicts our Islamic values. This can lead to confusion, discomfort, and even a watering down of their faith.
A Call to Action
So, what can we do to protect our kids and ourselves from the dangers of personal family vlogs and shorts?
- Encourage wholesome content: Instead of shorts, encourage your kids to watch full cartoon movies, series, or Islamic videos and lectures.
- Set boundaries: Establish clear guidelines and limits on online consumption to prevent excessive exposure to harmful content.
- Monitor and engage: Regularly monitor your kid’s online activities and engage in open conversations about the content they’re watching.
- Foster critical thinking: Teach your kids to think critically about the content they consume, encouraging them to evaluate its alignment with Islamic values.
Reflection Question for Parents and Kids
As you reflect on your online habits and those of your kids, ask yourselves:
- What am I exposing myself and my family to online, and is it aligning with our Islamic values?
- Am I modelling healthy online behaviour for my kids, or am I contributing to their potential downfall?
By acknowledging the dangers of personal family vlogs and shorts, we can take the first step towards creating a safer, more conscious online environment for our families. Remember, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari)
Let’s take responsibility for our online flocks and guide them towards the path of Fitra, away from the dangers of Fitnah.
Dua (Supplication)
رَ ﱠﺑﻧَﺎ أَﺗَ ﱠﻣمْ ﻋَﻠَﯾْﻧَﺎ ﻧِﻌْﻣَﺗَكَ وَﻗِﻧَﺎ ﻋَذَابَ اﻟ ﱠﻧﺎرِ
Rabbana atmimma alaina ni’mataka wa qina adhab an-nar
Our Lord, complete Your favour upon us and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
May Allah guide us and our families towards the straight path, and may we be protected from the dangers of the online world. Ameen.
Fi’Amanillah
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