This week, I want us to reflect on how deeply obsessed we have become with our phones—even to the point of bringing them into the mosque. This obsession has reached a level where it distracts us during acts of worship, diminishing the sanctity of our relationship with Allah.
Imagine this: In front of a parent, teacher, or elder, we dare not press our phones, knowing it is a sign of disrespect. Similarly, no one would check their emails or scroll through social media while standing before a judge in court. Yet, we find it acceptable to do this in the house of Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Where is the fear and reverence due to Allah?
It is now common to see people, right after the Tasleem (concluding the prayer), immediately take out their phones to check WhatsApp messages or emails instead of engaging in Adhkar (remembrance of Allah). Worse still, during the Friday Khutbah, a sacred moment when we are commanded to be silent and attentive, many are distracted by their devices.
This behavior contradicts the essence of Ihsaan, as described by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: “Ihsaan is to worship Allah as though you see Him, for even though you do not see Him, He sees you.”
(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
The question is: if we truly reflect on the fact that Allah sees us, would we still dare to disrespect Him in His house by prioritizing our phones over our devotion?
How Can We Curb this, Habit?
1. Leave Your Phone at Home or in the Car: If your phone is not absolutely necessary, avoid taking it into the mosque. This will eliminate the temptation to check it.
2. Switch Off Data or Put the Phone in Airplane Mode: If you need your phone for emergencies or for Quran apps, turn off notifications to avoid distractions.
3. Fear Allah’s Watchfulness: Remember that Allah sees us and knows what is in our hearts. Reflect on the reverence and focus required during worship.
4. Reflect on the Rewards We Are Missing: By neglecting Adhkar and not listening attentively to the Khutbah, we are missing out on immense rewards and blessings.
5. Remind Ourselves of the Disrespect: Think about how inappropriate it is to prioritize a device over Allah, the Creator of all things.
Let us strive to regain the focus and humility required in the house of Allah. The mosque is a place for worship, reflection, and submission—not a space for worldly distractions. May Allah guide us to worship Him with sincerity and devotion.
Dr. Luqman Abdgoffar Abiodun
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