In the age of the internet and social media, digital culture has significantly influenced the Islamic identity of children and youth. While technology provides opportunities for learning, communication, and skill development, it also poses challenges related to values, religious belonging, and cultural influences. Today, parents and educators face the challenge of balancing the benefits of technology with preserving Islamic identity. This article discusses the key impacts of digital culture on Muslim youth and how to safeguard Islamic identity in the digital era.
What is Digital Culture?
Digital culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and habits that emerge from using the internet, social media, digital games, and technological applications. It affects individuals’ thought processes, behaviors, and attitudes toward values and society.
How Does Digital Culture Affect the Islamic Identity of Children and Youth?
1. Positive Effects of Technology on Islamic Identity
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- Access to Islamic Educational Resources
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- The internet provides Quran memorization courses, Fiqh and Tafsir lessons, and interactive religious programs.
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- Islamic apps like “The Holy Quran,” “Quran Tafsir,” and “Prayer Times” help reinforce religious practices.
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- Facilitating Communication with the Global Muslim Community
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- Social media enables the exchange of religious knowledge and following scholars and Islamic institutions.
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- Islamic forums allow discussions and sharing of religious views among Muslims worldwide.
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- Increased Awareness of Global Islamic Issues
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- Technology introduces youth to the conditions of Muslims globally, fostering a sense of Islamic responsibility.
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- Digital media platforms spread positive messages about Islam and counter stereotypes.
2. Negative Effects of Digital Culture on Islamic Identity
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- Exposure to Non-Islamic Content
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- Children and youth encounter content conflicting with Islamic values, such as violence and unethical material.
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- Some online ideas may promote doubt in Islamic beliefs, atheism, or extremist ideologies.
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- Wasting Time and Neglecting Worship
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- Addiction to social media and video games reduces time for prayer, Quran reading, and family activities.
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- Smartphone distractions affect focus during worship and weaken engagement with the real Muslim community.
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- Weak Direct Social Communication Skills
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- Reliance on texting and virtual interaction diminishes real-life social skills.
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- Some youth struggle to participate in Islamic community activities like mosque events or charity work.
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- Misrepresentation of Islamic Values in Media
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- Some digital platforms promote negative portrayals of Islam and Muslims.
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- Western cultural influences may lead youth to adopt lifestyles incompatible with Islamic values.
Strategies to Protect Islamic Identity in the Digital Age
1. The Family’s Role in Guiding Children’s Internet Use
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- Teach children that technology is beneficial when used correctly.
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- Monitor children’s content consumption and provide Islamic educational and entertainment alternatives.
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- Set screen time limits, especially during prayer and worship.
2. Strengthening Islamic Awareness Among Children and Youth
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- Teach children to distinguish between beneficial and harmful content.
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- Instill Islamic values like honesty, integrity, modesty, and self-control in online interactions.
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- Encourage fact-checking religious information before believing or sharing it.
3. Providing Islamic Alternatives in the Digital Space
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- Encourage children to follow beneficial Islamic channels like:
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- “Zadi Educational” on YouTube.
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- Quran and Prophets’ stories apps for kids.
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- Documentaries on Islamic history and civilization.
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- Utilize educational video games that promote Islamic values and ethics.
4. Participation in Real Islamic Activities
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- Engage children in Quran memorization circles and Islamic activities at mosques and Islamic centers.
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- Organize family trips to historical Islamic sites to strengthen their connection to Islamic culture.
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- Encourage charity work, such as helping the needy and visiting the sick.
5. Promoting Islamic Media Literacy
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- Train children to analyze news and media content from an Islamic perspective.
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- Teach them to create meaningful content, such as writing Islamic articles or producing awareness videos.
How Can Technology Be Used to Support Islamic Identity?
| Digital Tool | Positive Use |
| Quran Apps | Daily listening, Tajweed learning, Surah memorization |
| Social Media | Following scholars, joining Islamic groups |
| YouTube | Watching religious lectures, Prophets’ stories, Islamic educational videos |
| Islamic E-books | Reading Tafsir, Fiqh, and Seerah books |
| Educational Games | Learning Arabic letters, Islamic stories, moral behaviors |
خاتمة
Digital culture has become an inseparable part of children and youth’s lives. However, managing it wisely can protect and strengthen Islamic identity rather than weaken it. Families and educators can guide technology use to make it a tool for learning, positive interaction, and promoting Islamic values—not a means of deviation or misrepresentation. Awareness, proper guidance, and providing Islamic alternatives are the keys to preserving Islamic identity in this digital age.
