Da`wah in the Age of Screens

It is from the way of Allah in the universe that there is change and renewal. Allah says: “Every day He is bringing about a matter.” (Ar-Rahman 55: 29)
In our time, we are witnessing an unprecedented knowledge and communication revolution that has produced a new generation, different in its thinking, behavior, and ways of interacting with others.

This is the generation known as the “digital generation” or the “internet generation.” It is a generation that grew up in the embrace of technology, whose awareness unfolded alongside social media networks, and that received more of its knowledge from screens than from teachers, parents, or books.

Adapting Da`wah to the Digital Age

Calling to Allah has never been stagnant or static; rather, it has been, throughout the ages, renewed in its methods, flexible in its tools, and steadfast in its foundations and objectives. Yet, the rapid change in the structure of contemporary societies, along with enormous cultural and technological transformations, has produced a new reality for da`wah, one that imposes unprecedented challenges upon the contemporary caller to Islam.

From here, it must be understood that the current generation cannot be approached with the same keys used for past generations. It is necessary to read the reality, understand the nature of the change, and build a da`wah discourse capable of influencing within these challenges. And if calling to Allah is an obligation in every era, then its obligation today is even greater—because the means have changed, the challenges have intensified, and the opportunities have multiplied. So, are we— as preachers and educators—reading this generation well? Are we making good use of its keys? Do we possess the tools to address it in a language it understands, with a style that respects its awareness, and with values that illuminate its path?

All of these questions demand logical and realistic answers. Hence came these words about the contemporary digital generation and how to deal with it, particularly in the context of da`wah and, more specifically, education.

Who is the digital generation, and what are its characteristics?

The digital generation is that generation born or raised after the mid-1990s, during a massive digital explosion—when the internet first began entering homes, the first social media platforms were established, smartphones emerged, and artificial intelligence technologies began making their way into daily life.

This generation is characterized by certain psychological and behavioral traits, including:

1.     Fast-paced rhythm: Cannot tolerate waiting or delays; accustomed to speed in everything.

2.    Reliance on images and videos more than long texts: Such a trait compels da`wah carriers to think carefully about presentation tools.

3.    Constant connectivity: Life is inseparable from the internet; they are always digitally present, and their information is fast-changing depending on social media trends and events.

4.    Curiosity and questioning: They do not settle for information; they want to verify, understand, and compare. Their inquisitiveness drives them to search—and if they do not find correct and authentic information, they will inevitably be exposed to the various distortions of the internet, which are difficult to treat afterward.

5.    Ability to multitask with distributed focus: They may open multiple applications, speak to more than one person, and consume diverse content simultaneously.

6.    Digital teamwork: They like digital partnerships and form participatory online communities, which can be both positive and negative, depending on how they are guided and utilized.

7.    Appreciation for independence: They dislike direct control or strict guidance, preferring instead that their intellect be respected. This, of course, is natural in human nature—as highlighted in specialized studies and classifications of human needs, such as Maslow’s, which include the need for self-esteem. The wise preacher and educator will take note of this and work accordingly.

8.    Emotional engagement with online influencers: This stems from the emotional and psychological instability that characterizes this generation during this stage of life.

9.    Rebellion against traditionalism: They tend to question the old and constantly seek renewal. They respond best to preachers who are innovative, using modern tools, fresh expressions, and advanced methods.

10.                    Psychological loneliness despite constant communication: A strange phenomenon for this generation, they are more connected online, yet more lonely in reality.

Read Also:

·       Islamic Guidance in Bridging Generational Gaps

·       How to Keep Persistence in Da'wah despite Challenges

·       Smart Platforms!

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Read This Article in Arabic