Can I use social media while fasting?

Detailed answer

Using social media does not break your fast, and it is not forbidden in itself. Phones and apps are tools: they can carry Quran recitations and beneficial reminders, or gossip and indecent content. What matters is how you use them, and Ramadan is a good time to look at that honestly.

What the Quran and Sunnah say

The purpose of fasting is taqwa, a constant awareness of Allah (Al-Baqarah 2:183). The Prophet said: "Part of the excellence of a person's Islam is leaving what does not concern him" (Tirmidhi). Endless scrolling, arguments in the comments and following lives that do not concern us can easily fill the hours that Ramadan offers for worship.

What to avoid

• Indecent images and videos. Lowering the gaze applies to screens too. See watching haram content while fasting.
• Gossip and mockery in posts, comments and group chats. Typing it is like saying it. See lying and backbiting while fasting.
• Angry arguments, including about religion. The fasting person stays away from quarrels.
• Showing off your worship or charity for likes. Good deeds should be done for Allah alone.
• Losing sleep to late-night scrolling, which makes fasting the next day much harder.

Making it work for you

• Set a daily time limit, or delete the most distracting apps for the month.
• Keep your phone away during prayer, Taraweeh, Quran time and the last ten nights.
• Follow accounts that teach, remind and inspire, and unfollow those that do the opposite.
• Share Ramadan greetings with family and friends; you can find free Ramadan Kareem greeting cards.
• Use the precious time before iftar for dua instead of scrolling.

Try a digital fast

Many people find that a "digital fast" alongside the real fast is one of the most refreshing parts of Ramadan. Try it at least for the last ten nights, when Laylat al-Qadr is sought. For the same advice applied to films and series, see watching TV while fasting.