How can parents show balance by using tech for Islamic reminders without overindulging in entertainment? 

Parenting Perspective 

Demonstrate Purposeful Use 

Children pay close attention to how their parents spend time online. If they mainly observe endless scrolling and entertainment, they will naturally see that as the normal way to use devices. Parents can set a different example by deliberately using technology for beneficial purposes, such as listening to Quran recitations or setting prayer reminders. Explaining these choices aloud by saying, ‘I am using my phone to listen to a short reminder before Maghrib,’ teaches children that technology can be a tool for faith, not just a source of distraction. 

Practise Moderation, Not Extremes 

The key is to find a healthy balance. If parents only use devices for religious content and forbid all entertainment, children may become resentful. Conversely, if entertainment is overindulged, the value of Islamic content may be diminished. The best approach is moderation: enjoying permissible entertainment in small amounts while giving priority to spiritually uplifting material. This demonstrates that Islam does not forbid joy but rather guides it with wisdom. 

Build Shared Family Habits 

Parents can turn beneficial tech use into a shared family activity. This could involve listening to a short hadith together before dinner, playing a Quran recitation in the car, or watching a trusted Islamic channel as a family. By weaving these habits into daily life, technology is transformed into a tool for remembrance, while still allowing ample space for other healthy forms of recreation. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Divine Principle of Moderation 

Islam teaches that moderation is a divine principle that should be applied to all areas of our lives. While we are encouraged to enjoy the blessings Allah Almighty has provided, we are warned against falling into excess. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: 

‘ O children of Adam, take (appropriate) measures to beautify yourself (before you appear) at any place of worship (for Prayer); and eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.‘ 

Balance in All Aspects of Life 

The prophetic tradition further emphasises the importance of balance in our daily habits. Just as we are taught to be moderate with food and drink, this wisdom can be extended to our consumption of time and technology. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2380, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his back straight. If he must fill it, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air.’ 

Technology Guided by Faith 

By modelling this balance, parents show their children that technology can be a valuable tool for remembrance and learning, without excluding permissible enjoyment. This approach fosters a lifestyle where faith guides daily habits in a natural way, free from rigidity or excess, ultimately drawing the family closer to Allah Almighty.