Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Preface

Beloved religious friends whom Allah loves, from a neuroscience perspective, the use of devices like iPads, phones, and the internet triggers the release of dopamine, with an addiction mechanism similar to drugs. This is “digital narcotics” that can unconsciously keep us glued for hours. Yet, scientifically, technology is inherently neutral. These devices are merely tools with no morality of their own; morality lies entirely in the user’s intention and fingertips. A tranquil soul is one that can turn technology into a “spiritual assistant” to access knowledge, not let it become a time thief that distances us from the Creator.

2. Explanation (Scriptural Foundation & Analogy)

The essence of using technology has been reminded to us in our primary sources of law as a reminder of future accountability

:A. On the Accountability of the Senses:

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهٖ عِلْمٌ ۗاِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ اُولٰۤىِٕكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْؤُوْلًا

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—about all those will be questioned.”[one]B. On the Foundation of Intention:

إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ

“Indeed, [the value of] deeds depends on intentions.”Technology is like an extremely sharp knife. If held by a skilled chef, it produces delicious dishes. But if held by a careless person, it can wound oneself. The knife is neutral; its usefulness depends on who grips the handle.

3. Lessons and Message

Technology is a test of neutrality. The gadget in your hand can become a bridge to memorize the Qur’an, yet it can also become a tool of sin that wastes a lifetime. Be the master of your technology, not a slave to notifications.There is an irony we often experience: we are strong enough to stare at a phone screen for 3 hours, but our eyes feel heavy when reading the Qur’an for 3 minutes. We are strong enough to scroll until our thumbs cramp, but stiff when it comes to doing tasbih. It is truly heartbreaking to see a mother cry because her child is in the same room yet their soul is “somewhere else” because of the screen, while elsewhere, a young man uses his internet to spread guidance. Remember, in the Hereafter there will be no trial about the number of followers, but about what our fingers did on that screen.

4. Conclusion

In closing, the internet and digital devices are neutral scientific achievements. Let us end fruitless addiction and begin using these digital tools as a remedy for ignorance and a means toward Paradise. Use them as a stairway to ascend to Allah’s pleasure, so that every click and keystroke is recorded as ongoing charity.

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Abu Sultan Al-Qadrie