*Social Media: A Silent Enemy*
Strong doors, grilled windows, and every possible protection from the outside world. A father built high walls to protect his daughters and wife from every calamity, but he forgot that tribulations (fitnah) no longer come through the doors; instead, they enter through the tiny screens held in hands.
Today, the web of social media has spread into every home. Parents think their children are safe because they do not step out of the house, but they do not know that strangers and non-mahrams (unrelated individuals) are sitting right inside their homes. Every moment brings a new friendship, a new relationship, and a new deception.
This is the very path that has ruined countless homes. Illicit relationships in the name of love, false promises, the auctioning of modesty, blackmailing, and ultimately, the destruction of families. Those daughters who were once considered safest within the four walls of the house are now falling prey through social media.
Whose Responsibility Is It?
The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Every one of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges." (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
The responsibility of parents is not limited merely to providing food, drink, and clothing. They must also focus on the moral upbringing of their children. If parents assume that their duty ends with fulfilling material needs, remember that one day these very children could be ruined right before their eyes.
What Should Be Done?
Give awareness to daughters that all that glitters is not gold. People met on social media are often liars, who come only to amuse themselves with temporary words and leave behind disgrace.
Parents themselves must be cautious. If parents themselves are addicted to mobile phones and social media, how can the children escape it?
Focus on religious upbringing. In the light of the Quran and Hadith, explain the importance of modesty (Haya), honor, and hijab to daughters.
Build a relationship of trust. Let not the walls of fear distance a daughter from her parents. Listen to her problems and solve them with love and wisdom.
True Protection
Tribulations do not stop by closing doors; rather, hearts need to be strengthened with piety (Taqwa). If a daughter has modesty and the fear of Allah in her heart, no fitnah of social media will be able to misguide her. Therefore, the real focus should be on connecting hearts with faith (Imaan) rather than merely snatching away mobile phones.
O Parents! Protection is not achieved through walls alone, but through hearts as well.
*Share this writing with your loved ones and in local groups with the intention of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) and for the pleasure of Allah. It may be that your slight effort or attempt changes someone's life.*
