Assalamu alaikum, everyone! Our topic is 'Using Media in a Good Way'. What do we mean by 'media'? First, phones and TV. Or watched a cartoon on TV? Media is all around us — we use it to call our parents, watch Inooro TV, or send a quick M-Pesa. Remember, every time we use media, Allah is watching, and He wants us to use it in a good way. Next, the internet and social media — like WhatsApp, Facebook, or YouTube. We use them to connect with family far away, or to learn new things. We also have to be careful: not everything online is good for us. That's why we learn what is halal (allowed) and what is haram (forbidden) in Islam. Here's M-Pesa and news — media helps us learn and do business. You might see your parents use M-Pesa to buy things, or listen to the news on the radio. Media is a gift from Allah — a tool to do good things, like helping others or learning more about our beautiful world. Yes, media is everywhere — phones, TV, internet, social media, M-Pesa, news. Just like any gift, we have to use it responsibly. What should we avoid because it is haram?
Remember, phones can be very helpful when used in the right way. First, calling our family and friends. In Islam, this is called sillat-ur-rahim – keeping family ties. Phones help us do that easily. For example, you can call your grandmother who lives far away in Kisumu. Next, phones can be used for learning. You can use apps to memorize Quran, learn math, or even watch educational videos. Many students in Kenya use phones to access Khan Academy or local educational content. Finally, phones help us stay safe. You can call for help in an emergency, and location services can help others find you. Just be careful not to share your location publicly. In summary, phones can strengthen family bonds, help us learn, and keep us safe. Let's use them wisely.
Did you know that the internet can be used for so much more than just playing games or watching videos? First, the internet is like a giant library at your fingertips. You can search for your school homework, find information about science, math, or even learn about Islamic knowledge. For example, you can look up the meaning of a du'a you want to memorize, or read stories of the prophets. Isn't that amazing? Next, you can watch halal content online. 'Halal' means something that is allowed and good for us in Islam. Instead of watching things that might be harmful or wasteful, you can watch nice animations, listen to nasheeds — which are Islamic songs — or enjoy stories that teach good values. There's so much fun and clean content out there! Another wonderful use of the internet is to help you with your daily prayers and worship. Many websites and apps have du'a timetables and prayer times — very useful if you're not sure when to pray or what du'a to say before eating or sleeping. Class — the internet is a powerful tool. If we use it for learning, for good entertainment, and for our faith, it becomes something truly beneficial. Always ask yourself before you click: 'Is this use going to help me learn or grow? Is it halal?' Think before you click!
In Kenya, we love using WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok. Here are three key ways to use social media for good. First, we can share Islamic reminders and good news. For example, you can share a beautiful verse from the Quran or a hadith about kindness. This helps spread goodness. Second, we can join school or masjid groups for learning. Many schools and masjids have WhatsApp groups where you can learn about Islamic studies or get homework help. This is a great way to use social media for learning. Third, inspire others with kindness. Always use social media to encourage others. Never gossip or tell lies. Remember, Allah loves those who are honest. Before you post, think: Is this kind? Is this true? To summarize: Share good news, learn together, and inspire kindness. Let's all be positive users of social media!
Let's talk about haram content. Do you know what 'haram' means? It means something that is forbidden — Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us not to do it or look at it. At this definition: 'Haram = anything that Allah and the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade.' So when we talk about haram content, we mean any picture, video, or words that Allah has told us to stay away from. The slide says 'Examples:' — these are common types of haram content. First: nudity or bad language. For example, some TV shows or YouTube videos show people without proper clothes, or use bad words. As Muslims, we close our eyes or change the channel. In Kenya, we all know better — we can watch Swahili cartoons that teach good values instead. Second: violence or lies. That means fights, scary images, or lying in videos. Even if a cartoon shows too much fighting, that can be haram for us to watch. Remember, we should fill our eyes and ears with good things. Finally, haram content harms our faith and mind. When we watch bad things, it makes our heart forget Allah and our brain think about wrong things. We must choose halal content — good, clean, and helpful videos and games. To remember: haram content is anything Allah and His Prophet forbade. Nudity, bad language, violence, and lies are examples. They harm our faith and mind. Let's be careful and choose halal content every day!
Let's wrap up with our key takeaways and a special du'a that will help us remember how to use media in a way that pleases Allah. First, remember: media is just a tool—like your phone or TV. Allah wants us to use it for good things, like learning and helping others, and to avoid what is harmful (haram). When you watch a video or send a message, ask yourself: 'Is this pleasing to Allah?' Second, always remember that Allah is watching everything we do online. Even when no one else sees us, He sees. Let's make sure our online words and actions are kind and honest, just like we would behave in front of our parents or teacher. Let's end with this beautiful du'a from the Qur'an. "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah waqina 'adhaban-nar." This means, "Our Lord, give us good in this life and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." Let's say it together in our hearts as we finish. May Allah bless your learning and help you use media for good. Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
