Unmodern Aspects of Islam (20): The Illusion of Connection

 

Did you know the average person has hundreds of online “friends”—yet reports feeling lonelier than ever before? We scroll, we like, we comment—but when hardship strikes, how many of those connections truly remain?

Islam teaches us that real bonds aren’t built on algorithms, but on faith and sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” (al-Muʿjam al-Awsaṭ, 6192)
True friendship in Islam means support, loyalty, and showing up in times of need—not just leaving an emoji.

Look at the early Muslims. Their brotherhood and sisterhood weren’t digital—they were lived. They prayed shoulder to shoulder, shared meals, visited the sick, and stood beside each other in battle and in prayer. Their strength wasn’t in numbers—it was in sincerity.

So what about us today? What if we spent less time curating our profiles, and more time cultivating real bonds? Call a friend. Visit a neighbor. Sit with family without a screen between you. Because hearts don’t thrive on notifications—they thrive on presence.

The illusion of connection is everywhere.
But real brotherhood and sisterhood—that’s the Sunnah. And it’s still waiting to be revived.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.