Can screen time be turned into a source of barakah, or is that unrealistic? 

Parenting Perspective 

Yes, it is entirely possible for screen time to become a source of barakah (divine blessing), but only when it is approached with clear intention, firm boundaries, and a sense of purpose. Barakah enters an activity when it aligns with values that please Allah and brings genuine benefit to a person’s heart, mind, or community. 

Shift from Distraction to Enrichment 

Instead of viewing screens as a mere distraction, you can actively look for ways they can enrich your child’s learning, strengthen their connection to family, or inspire them towards goodness. This could include watching Islamic reminders, listening to Quran recitations, viewing documentaries on the wonders of Allah’s creation, or engaging with creative projects that build useful skills. These activities all turn a simple screen moment into a positive and beneficial experience. 

Begin with Intention and Mindfulness 

A simple yet profound step is to set an intention before the screen is turned on. Teaching your child to start with a short dua or by simply saying the Basmalah (‘In the name of Allah’) reminds them that this time, like all time, is under Allah’s watch and should be used in a way that is pleasing to Him. This small act transforms an unconscious habit into a conscious, mindful choice. 

Frame It Within Healthy Boundaries 

Paired with this intention must be mindful limits. Barakah cannot flourish in an environment of excess. By ensuring that screen time does not interfere with prayer, family responsibilities, or rest, and that the content aligns with Islamic values, you create a healthy and balanced framework. By reframing screens as a tool, not a master, you guide your child to use technology in a way that adds value to their life instead of diminishing it. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages us to seek blessings in all that we do and to use every moment in a way that draws us closer to Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mu’minoon (23), Verses 1–3: 

‘Indeed, success is for the believers; those people who are focused in their prayers with true humility. And those people that abstain from frivolous gossip…’ 

This verse reminds us that a key characteristic of a successful believer is the conscious choice to invest their time in what is meaningful (like humble prayer) and to turn away from that which is empty or wasteful (laghw). 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2417, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A person’s feet will not move on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it’ 

This hadith teaches us that even our leisure time is a trust for which we will be held accountable. We must therefore be intentional with every moment. When screen time becomes a means to learn, to share goodness, or to remember Allah, it is transformed from a simple habit into an act that can carry immense blessing, provided it is guarded by sincerity and discipline.