When Every
Voice Is Loud, Etiquette Becomes Silent
There is a
reality we can no longer ignore: social media has amplified voices that were
once kept behind closed doors. Some of these voices are sincere, some are
misinformed, and some are simply loud. What troubles me most is not the
ignorance of Islamophobes or those who deliberately stir hate—that noise has
always existed. What concerns me more is how Muslims ourselves have begun to
sound in these digital spaces.
Open any
platform and you’ll see it. Posts filled with emotion but empty of etiquette.
Arguments sparked in the name of defending Islam but fuelled more by ego than
knowledge. It reminds me that social media does not create our character; it
only magnifies what is already there. Even the quietest, most introverted
person becomes bold when protected by a screen.
And while it is
understandable that not every Muslim will have deep Islamic knowledge, the
basics should never be missing. At the heart of these basics lies tarbiya—the
process of nurturing, disciplining, and refining oneself. Knowledge may take
years to acquire, but etiquette is something every believer is responsible for
from day one.
Tarbiya teaches
us how to speak, how to listen, how to respond, and even how to remain silent.
It shapes the emotional and spiritual connection we build with Allah and with
people. When you look at the five pillars of Islam, each one is built on
discipline. Prayer, fasting, zakah, pilgrimage—all require consistency,
humility, and self-control. These qualities should naturally reflect in how we
behave online.
The foundation
of everything is the declaration of faith and the commitment to follow Prophet
Muhammad ﷺ. His character was marked by calmness,
dignity, and compassion—even when facing hostility. If we truly implemented
even a fraction of his discipline, we would strengthen ourselves personally and
uplift our communities globally.
And right now,
the world needs that strength. Palestine, Sudan, Congo—these crises demand
clarity, unity, and integrity from us, not chaotic public debates. This is not
the time for Muslims to be found wanting in knowledge or behaviour.
So, the real
question becomes: are we ready to unlearn the bad habits social media has
normalised and return to the prophetic example that once shaped the greatest
generation? His companions were the best of followers and the best of examples
for us. And that is where our success begins.
