Islamic Lifestyle or Image Crafting? Unveiling the Hijrah Trend and Religious Content

In this digital era, everything seems up for sale—even what was once sacred. Religion is no longer just a way of life but is marketed as a product, branded as spiritual, and displayed across social media windows. “God in a shopping cart” is no longer just a metaphor. It reflects a time when faith often loses its true meaning, morphing into a consumptive lifestyle rather than a heartfelt conviction.

Instant Faith: Swipe, Click, Believe?

There’s no denying that technological advances have made life easier—including how we practice our faith. Prayer reminder apps, religious podcasts, Islamic-themed Instagram filters, and e-commerce sites filled with stylish worship gear. But do these truly draw us closer to Allah, or do they push us further away, wrapped in luxury and self-image?

Gradually, spirituality transforms into content. A chic prayer mat photo captioned with Qur’anic verses, morning coffee alongside a tafsir book, and viral videos of teary-eyed reactions to sermons. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these, but let’s ask honestly: who is this all for? Is it truly for Allah, or just for likes and social validation?

Faith as a Display: A Troubling Trend

This phenomenon is often called the commodification of religion: spiritual values are packaged and consumed as trends. ‘Hijrah’ becomes a hashtag, no longer a profound spiritual journey but a social buzzword. Modest attire is reduced to just fabric, not a reflection of ethics and conduct. Even Hajj and Umrah are now often accompanied by excessive digital documentation.

We start measuring faith by outward signs: clothing, public expressions, or which preacher someone follows. But the essence of faith always lies hidden in the heart—a realm only God can judge.

The Spiritual Marketplace: Between Intention and Desire

The market will sell anything—even faith. The ‘hijrah economy’ flourishes, with Islamic products promoted by self-styled influencers—often lacking real religious understanding. Study sessions are commercialized, prayers are advertised, and even charity sometimes becomes just content for digital impressions.

The issue isn’t with business or leveraging trends per se—it’s with our intentions. If our purpose isn’t for Allah, then even our acts can be in vain. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Faith Is a Journey, Not a Product

Faith cannot be bought in an online marketplace or packed into a 60-second clip. It is a lifelong journey: a process filled with trials, setbacks, and deep reflection. Faith does not come wrapped in pastel boxes—it grows within a heart ceaselessly striving for purity.

It isn’t what we showcase, but what we keep private. Faith is felt most in those silent nights only God knows, in prayers offered away from public eyes, and in the small intentions we renew each day.

Reflection: Are We Still Sincere?

This article isn’t to judge, but to help us reflect. We live in an era where everything is rushed—even the quest for inner peace. Yet tranquility comes from within, not from outward appearances.

Perhaps we’ve all, at times, been caught in the trap of spiritual posturing—feeling proud of being perceived as pious, assuming we’re better because of an Islamic appearance, while our hearts remain empty. It’s time to ask ourselves:

Do I worship out of love for Allah, or out of fear of losing followers?
Have I embraced hijrah for His sake, or just to look cool on social media?

These are tough, but necessary questions.

Returning to Simplicity in Religion

Islam didn’t come to complicate life, much less be made a commodity. It came to provide tranquility, to purify souls, and to guide us. The antidote to contaminated spirituality is to return to religious simplicity.

Faith doesn’t require extravagance. The Prophet lived with remarkable simplicity, yet his faith was exceptional. The companions never chased aesthetics, yet became beloved of God for their sincerity. Don’t feel less just because you don’t match the TikTok ‘hijrah’ influencers.

Let’s be content with steadfastness in ablution, holding back anger, reading even a verse from the Qur’an, or helping others with just a smile. Perhaps these small deeds, done sincerely, are more loved by Allah than viral content without right intent.

Conclusion

We are living in a time where even the sacred is packaged and sold—including the concept of God. But God cannot be bought. He is present in silence, in the deep of night, in prayers unheard by others, and in hearts that remember without words.

Let’s purify our intentions. Let’s restore the essence of faith. May religion remain a path to God—not just another commodity in the market. And let God dwell within our hearts, not in our shopping carts.

Closing

The true measure of faith is not in outward trends, but in sincerity and steadfast devotion. May we all strive for genuine faith—humble, honest, and untouched by the world’s marketplace of appearances.