Sufism in the Digital Age: The Art of Guarding the Heart from Riya and Flexing

In today's modern era, the spiritual ailment of 'riya,' or showing off one's worship, has migrated online, transforming into subtle and sophisticated forms of 'flexing' and 'humblebragging.' Social media platforms often become arenas for veiled self-promotion, disguised as sharing inspiration or humble confessions. For instance, posting about a pre-dawn prayer (tahajud) with a complaint about sleepiness subtly seeks validation for one's piety.

Sufi scholars have long warned that performing good deeds for human praise is like using counterfeit currency, valuable in the eyes of people but worthless before God. Psychologically, relying on likes and comments for validation leads to a weary soul, constantly seeking external approval. Sufism offers a relevant mental operating system for navigating the attention-seeking algorithms of the digital world through the methods of 'takhalli' and 'tahalli.'

'Takhalli' involves self-purification, emptying the heart of negative traits. In the digital context, this means practicing restraint from constantly showcasing life achievements. When the urge to post something solely for ego satisfaction arises, one should practice "praise fasting" and close the application. Following purification, 'tahalli' involves adorning the soul with virtuous qualities, primarily sincere devotion.

This is where the Sufi concept of 'khumul' becomes crucial. It teaches individuals to be comfortable with not being known, going viral, or having a large following online. For the modern Sufi, earthly popularity is secondary; the primary goal is to be recognized and esteemed in the heavens. Applying Sufi values in the digital age doesn't require abandoning technology but rather mastering the art of guarding one's heart while using devices.