Recently, a new energy drink appeared on the scene. Known as “Prime Hydration”, it took the market by storm. Every youngster wanted to be seen with a bottle of Prime in his hand, and due to quantities initially being limited, one measly bottle would sell for upwards of R500.
Yet, even though Prime is nothing more than overpriced Energade, the demand actually increased, as people were desperate to get their hands on this drink.
The case of Prime is a ‘prime’ example of FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out). Since everyone was speaking about it, and it was dominating the media headlines, everyone wanted it and no one wanted to be left out.
The element of FOMO is indeed a powerful motivating factor. If a new restaurant opens, everyone wants a taste and no one wants to be left out. When a new holiday destination is discovered or becomes popular, then everyone begins to book their tickets.
However, the sad reality is that 99% of the time, people’s FOMO revolves only around material and entertainment. Seldom does a person feel any fear of missing out when it comes to Deen and acts of righteousness and piety.
It is reported that on one occasion, Sayyiduna Abu Zarr Ghifaari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! The Sahaabah with wealth have taken all the rewards! They perform salaah just as we (the poor Sahaabah) perform salaah, and they fast just as we fast, and they possess surplus wealth (over and above their needs) which they spend in the avenue of sadaqah, whereas we (the poor Sahaabah) do not possess any wealth to spend in sadaqah!”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “O Abu Zarr! Shall I not teach you some words which are such that through (reciting) them, you will catch up to those who have gone ahead of you, and those who are behind you will not be able to catch up to you – except for one who carries out the same action as you (i.e. he also recites these words of zikr)?” Sayyiduna Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) (was most delighted and) submitted, “Most certainly (teach me these words), O Rasul of Allah Ta‘ala!”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then taught him to recite the Tasbeeh Faatimi after every fardh salaah, together with the following words at the end:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْر
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that the benefit of reciting this is that all one’s (minor) sins will be forgiven – even if they are as abundant as the foam in the ocean. (Sunan Abi Dawood #1504)
From the above hadeeth, we see that the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were also concerned that they should not miss out and be left behind. However, on account of their imaan, their priorities were in order and their mindset was correct. Therefore, none wished to miss out when an opportunity arose to earn the immense rewards of the Hereafter, and they would vie with one another in carrying out works of righteousness and piety.
Unfortunately, due to our attachment to the material world – and social media in specific – our day and night revolves around pursuing material and entertainment. Thus, even though most of us are aware of the abundant and great virtues of reciting the Tasbeeh Faatimi, and though it takes but one or two minutes to recite, most of us neglect to recite it.
On the contrary, if an airline is having a sale on R9 tickets, and the quantity of tickets and period to book is limited, then many of us will be prepared to spend hours, if necessary, to acquire these tickets for ourselves.
Why is it that the same fervour, zeal and enthusiasm is not shown for the rewards of the Hereafter? The answer is that our imaan has become weak. We have lost sight of Jannah, and have forgotten our ultimate destination and our true goal in life.
The solution is for us to reduce our involvement with material and our time spent on social media, and make an effort on strengthening our imaan. Insha Allah, if we conduct daily home ta’leem, engage in daily zikr for a short while, recite some Quraan Majeed daily, make du‘aa for our imaan and that of our children and the Ummah, then Allah Ta‘ala will assist us and we will find our values and priorities realigning with those of Deen and the sunnah.
May Allah Ta‘ala bless us with true imaan and the longing to strive for Jannah, aameen.