social media
Abdulhussain Muhammed Tejani (Dubai, UAE) is a Change Architect in Leadership and HR and has been involved in many capacities in the community and through pro bono work with youths. Presently, he is the Chief People Officer in Leadership and HR at People Matter, and an accredited Trainer for the Human Capital Institute (US).HR DIRECTOR/ VP HR
Human Resources Vice President focused on designing and delivering effective people management, talent development and workforce planning strategies to create a high-performance culture. Built a 24-year career encompassing HR and Learning and development directorships within global healthcare, banking, education, petroleum, market research and information companies covering the MENA region.
Effectively led pre and post-merger initiatives to integrate and harmonise HR personnel, systems and functions. Developed trust and credibility of the HR function, embedding processes and systems within wider business strategy and monitoring their operational impact. A key influencer and change agent who skilfully liaises with board-level executives, senior management and business unit heads in securing commitment to change management initiatives, as well as policy and procedure implementation. An engaging and inspirational leader adept at coaching, mediating and resolving employee relations issues. Experienced in modernising compensation and benefits structures, as well as establishing strategic partnerships to aid people development and the accomplishment of overarching business objectives.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Organisation Design and Restructure People Management Talent Development HR Strategy Workforce Planning Recruitment & Selection Change Management Employee Relations Compensation & Benefits Industrial Relations Training & Development Mediation, Negotiation, Dispute Resolution Project Management Policies and Procedures Development Performance Management
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n recent years, the pervasive influence of social media has reshaped how people interact, perceive reality, and form values. While social media offers benefits such as instant communication, access to information, and a platform for expression, it also harbours significant pitfalls, especially when it comes to the portrayal of reality by influencers. From an Islamic perspective, these pitfalls are deeply concerning as they often conflict with core values and ethical principles. I will explore some of the fake realities of social media and influencer culture from an Islamic viewpoint, and offer potential solutions to mitigate these issues.
1. The Illusion of Perfection
Reality: Social media platforms, especially those driven by visual content like Instagram and TikTok, create an illusion of a perfect life. Influencers curate their posts meticulously, often with professional photography, heavy editing, and a selective showcase of their lives. This portrayal leads followers to believe in an unrealistic standard of beauty, success, and happiness.
Islamic Perspective: Islam emphasizes the value of authenticity and humility. The Qur’an and Hadiths encourage believers to live truthful and modest lives. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire, and a man may keep on telling lies until he is written as a liar before Allah”.
The curated perfection on social media contradicts these teachings by promoting dishonesty and fostering envy among followers, which is discouraged in Islam. The flipside worth considering is the potential the post having an adverse effect on a follower or reader, which you will be held accountable for on the day of judgement.
Solution: Muslims are encouraged to practice and promote authenticity on social media. Influencers and regular users alike should strive to share unfiltered and genuine moments, highlighting the imperfections and challenges of life. This approach can help foster a more realistic and relatable online community.
2. Materialism and Consumerism
Reality: Influencer culture often revolves around showcasing luxury lifestyles, expensive products, and consumer goods. This culture breeds materialism and the constant pursuit of more, which can lead to financial strain, dissatisfaction, and a sense of inadequacy among followers.
Islamic Perspective: Islam teaches contentment (Qana’ah) and warns against excessive attachment to material wealth. The Qur’an states, “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children” (Qur’an 57:20). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, Riches do not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches are self-contentment.
The emphasis on materialism in influencer culture is at odds with these values, encouraging followers to seek fulfilment in transient, worldly possessions rather than in spiritual and moral growth.
Solution: Muslims should focus on promoting the value of contentment and simplicity. Social media can be used to share stories and content that highlight the joy found in non-material aspects of life such as family, community, acts of charity, and personal achievements that do not revolve around wealth.
3. Self-Image and Identity Issues
Reality: The pressure to conform to certain beauty standards and lifestyle choices portrayed by influencers can lead to identity crises, low self-esteem, and mental health issues. Social media often rewards appearance over substance, leading individuals to prioritize their physical looks over their character and personal development.
Islamic Perspective: Islam places significant importance on inner beauty and character. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions; but He looks at your heart and your deeds”. This teaching underscores the importance of developing a good character and sincere intentions over external appearances.
Solution: Islamic teachings can guide Muslims to appreciate and cultivate their inner qualities. Influencers and users should emphasize content that celebrates personal growth, intellectual achievements, and acts of kindness. Social media campaigns can focus on stories of resilience, spiritual journeys, and community service, thus redefining success and beauty from an Islamic standpoint.
4. The Erosion of Privacy
Reality: Social media encourages users to share intimate details of their lives publicly, often blurring the lines between private and public spheres. This exposure can lead to a loss of privacy and can have unintended consequences on personal safety and dignity.
Islamic Perspective: Islam values privacy and modesty. The Qur’an instructs believers to “not spy or backbite each other” (Qur’an 49:12) and to respect the private lives of others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of guarding one’s private matters and respecting others’ privacy.
Solution: Muslims should be mindful of the boundaries between their public and private lives on social media. They can set examples by maintaining a balance, sharing only what is necessary and appropriate, and encouraging others to respect their own and others’ privacy. Educating the community about the importance of privacy in Islam and the potential risks of oversharing can also help mitigate this issue.
5. The Cult of Personality and Self-Promotion
Reality: Influencer culture often revolves around self-promotion and the cultivation of personal brands. This focus on self can lead to narcissism and the neglect of communal values and responsibilities.
Islamic Perspective: Islam encourages humility and service to others. The Qur’an states, “And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height” (Qur’an 17:37). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified humility and service, advising, “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind”.
Solution: We, as Muslims can counter the culture of self-promotion by focusing on service and communal benefit. Social media platforms can be used to highlight community initiatives, charitable activities, and stories of selflessness. Influencers can lead by example, using their platforms to promote causes greater than themselves and encouraging their followers to engage in acts of kindness and service.
6. The Spread of Misinformation
Reality: Social media is rife with misinformation and false narratives, often propagated by influencers either intentionally or out of ignorance. This spread of misinformation can lead to confusion, mistrust, and harmful consequences for individuals and society.
Islamic Perspective: Islam places a strong emphasis on the pursuit of truth and the avoidance of spreading falsehoods. The Qur’an warns, “O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful” (Qur’an 49:6). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “It is a lie for a man to speak of everything that he hears”.
Solution: Muslims should commit to verifying information before sharing it on social media. Influencers have a responsibility to ensure that the content they promote is accurate and beneficial. Digital literacy programs within the Muslim community can educate users on how to identify and avoid spreading misinformation, thus fostering a culture of truthfulness and integrity.
In conclusion, the pervasive influence of social media and the rise of influencer culture present significant challenges from an Islamic perspective. The illusion of perfection, materialism, identity issues, erosion of privacy, cult of personality, and spread of misinformation all contradict fundamental Islamic values of authenticity, contentment, inner beauty, privacy, humility, and truthfulness.
However, this endeavour requires vigilance. The seductive allure of likes, followers, and curated realities can easily lead one astray from the path of sincerity and modesty. We as Muslims must continually remind ourselves and others of the importance of integrity and the transient nature of worldly appearances. Engaging with social media responsibly, verifying information before sharing, and prioritizing content that benefits the community are essential steps in aligning online activities with Islamic principles.
Ultimately, social media can be a powerful tool for good when used with discernment and a focus on the values that truly matter. By navigating the digital world with an awareness of its potential pitfalls and a dedication to authenticity and service, Muslims can harness the benefits of social media while safeguarding their faith and contributing to a more truthful and compassionate online culture.
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Writers Panel | A Simple Thought | Obituaries | Ziarat Ashura | Islamic Calendar | Facebook | Instagram
