By, Shafiy Nordin
Gombak, 29 May 2025 : In an eye-opening forum at Comm Fest 2025, Hafizul Faiz, founder of Tentang Kita, challenged students to resist the lure of online trends and instead build a meaningful digital presence rooted in self-awareness, values, and long-term purpose.
Speaking at the forum titled, “Being Muslim Online: Awareness, Ethics, and the Digital Footprint,” Hafizul emphasized the importance of self-control and intention in navigating today’s internet culture, where attention is the goal. “Before you create content, be contented,” he said. “Your heart must be clear on where you’re going and why you’re doing it.”
He warned students about the dangers of living a life solely driven by virality and validation. “Don’t treat virality as your qiblah (ultimate direction).” he cautioned, using a powerful Islamic metaphor to describe how online trends can divert direction and purpose.
According to Hafizul, one of the biggest challenges today is the web-like nature of the internet, where people often lose themselves in endless scrolling, distractions (ghaflah), and superficiality. “The dunya is related to the word zina: decoration, cosmetic. We’re always drawn to what appears beautiful,” he explained. “But that’s not always what’s meaningful.”
Instead of just “following the flow,” Hafizul encouraged young Muslims to pause, reflect, and choose their path intentionally, a process he linked directly to the Islamic discipline of prayer. “Solat teaches us self-control. It grounds us. That’s where and how the online journey should begin too, with control, not chaos,” he said.
He also addressed the mental health impact of online life, stating that content creation without direction can lead to anxiety, burnout, and a stagnant mindset. “Many people get stuck in a cycle of chasing trends, but feel empty,” he said. “That’s not growth. That’s a trap,” he continued.
When asked how to stay true to ourself online, Hafizul shared a guiding question: Aina tazhabun?: Where are you going? “If you don’t know where you’re headed, the algorithm will decide for you,” he warned. “But if you’re clear, you’ll create content that resonates deeply, even if it’s not viral.”
He urged students to build value-based content, where relatability and authenticity take place over flashy trends. “Some of us feel our content is boring, but others might find it exactly what they need. Don’t underestimate your uniqueness.”
On creativity, Hafizul encouraged attendees to be resourceful, not trendy. “Be creative, but don’t compromise your values,” he said. “People who understand your values will support you, regardless of your content,” said Hafizul.
In his closing remarks, Hafizul reminded the audience that ethics is at the core of everything online, and Muslims must always act with consciousness, clarity, and conviction.
“Your content is your character. Let it reflect who you are, not who the internet wants you to be,” he ended.
As the session wrapped up, his message was strong: in a world filled with noise and distraction, the one who wins is the one who leads with value, not virality.***
