The online ummah isn’t real to me. It largely teems with narcissists playing religion, much as kids play dressing up.
This morning, WhatsApp friends decided to interrupt my serene exile by introducing me to the latest schism to occupy cyberstan. I wish they didn’t.
These battles are cyclical. In the latest installment, some of the characters have even been recycled from a previous episode.
Ironically, those wheeled out to inject a sense of perspective and realism were themselves fiery zealots fifteen years ago, during another epic schism. Thank goodness for short memories.
Does anyone still take these arguments seriously? I certainly don’t. They’re just tiresome. I have no regrets at all about withdrawing from that world.
If I am to be found online, it’s amidst the purveyors of brick laying and carpentry videos. I suppose that’s my own fantasy world, given my woeful skills in both.
But better to entertain these dreams than pretend to be little sheikhs, causing irreparable damage to the souls of the masses. The worst damage I can do is get a splinter in my thumb.
My advice to anyone reeling from the latest digital catastrophe to unfold before them is simply to walk away. Leave the circus to the clowns clowning, and rediscover the faith you’re truly called to.
Feed the poor and needy. Look after orphans. Be kind to your neighbour. Say a good word to those in distress. Pick up the litter from your street. Strive to create a safe and healthy environment for all. Pray and ponder much.
In short, embody the light of faith in every waking moment. Be more than fleeting pixels on a screen.
Last modified: 14 July 2023
