Unmodern Aspects of Islam (6): Spectators of Life

 

How many hours have we spent watching other people live?
Scrolling through endless feeds. Binge-watching shows. Following influencers day and night.
We watch, we react, we consume—while our own lives slip quietly by.

This is the tragedy of becoming a spectator.
We know every detail about strangers online, yet we ignore our own potential.
We cheer from the sidelines, but forget that Allah created us to play our own role in this world.

The Qur’an reminds us:
“And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.’” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:105)
Faith is not about watching—it’s about doing.

The Prophet ﷺ built a generation of contributors, not spectators.
Each Companion felt responsible for Islam. Some gave wealth. Some gave time. Some gave knowledge. Each played their part—and together they changed history.

So what about us?
Will we keep watching others chase their dreams while ours gather dust?
Or will we step forward—study, create, serve, and build?

Tonight, instead of watching another episode, live one.
Call a parent. Read a page of Qur’an. Help a neighbor. Start the project you’ve delayed for years.

Because Islam does not want spectators of life.
It calls us to be contributors—builders of meaning, carriers of light.

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