السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Monday 13th April 2020. Let’s focus on ‘TV & Videos’ today.
Upon arrival in the UK in the 50s and 60s, the majority of our families bought a black and white TV. It was really a pastime and although completely forbidden, families would often sit in front of the box. Many programmes were decent and it became a norm for mum, dad, brothers and sisters to sit together and watch. Even the elderly grandparents would join in.
In the 70s, the colour TV arrived, then came the video recorder. As time went on, it became difficult for families to sit and watch together. The indecent filth and immoral scenes started to take over. However, one thing was for sure, there was only one TV and video in the house. It was in the living room, so everyone knew what others were watching. Hence, a lot of control on who watched what.
As time moved on, so did technology. Today, everyone has their own TV and video, from 2 year olds to 90 year olds, whether it be in the form of a mobile phone, ipad, social media, or any other gadget. How can we now monitor, as each is in their own private bedroom with their gadget? I don’t have the answer, brothers and sisters. All I can say is, Fear Almighty Allāh.
The moment you get hold of your gadget:
- Bring to your mind that your Creator is watching you, whether in the bedroom, bathroom, car, or at work.
- At that precise moment, think, what if my soul left my body right now? How will my family react when they walk into my room and see my gadget and the content. My eyes will be closed but my sins will be exposed.
The above is for the 16+ in our community. What about the youngsters?
- Parents need to take back control.
- No gadgets in no other room besides the main living room.
- If you have to watch and are addicted, then watch in front of family. Gradually wean off, then stop.
However, are we as parents in a position to take this step when we ourselves are fully involved? No chance! Children see their parents non stop on their mobiles and gadgets. If the doctor is ill who will he or she phone? So come on brothers and sisters, let’s lead by example.
First and foremost, WE take action, immediately. Not tomorrow, or the day after, or after the lockdown. It’s either now or never. Start with ‘no gadget hours’. Fix 2 hours in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 2 in the evening, during which all gadgets are put to one side, and spend quality family time together.
Pray, talk, have TāꜤlīm, read The QurꜤān, read Islamic books, no gadgets. Slowly, slowly, extend the ‘family time’, and we will get there اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ. Remember, us as parents, will have to set the example first. Otherwise, it’s a lost cause. Upto a thousand people a day are departing this world, from the UK, daily, 10 percent of whom are Muslims.
Take heed and take heed now. Almighty Allāh save us all from the fitnah of all social media gadgets, Āmeen.
Please share with loved near and dear ones.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for DuꜤās
والسلام Hanif Dudhwala