Islam and the Rise of Purposeful Content Creation: A Global Call to Muslim Creators

By Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Kano Nigeria
In the digital age, where stories travel faster than sound and visuals reshape global consciousness, a new breed of influence has emerged: the content creator. Armed with smartphones, creativity, and global platforms, today’s content creators shape opinions, challenge narratives, and sometimes, inspire revolutions. For Muslims, this space is not just an opportunity it is a responsibility rooted in centuries of tradition, ethics, and purpose.

At the heart of Islam lies a commitment to truth, beauty, compassion, and justice. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari & Muslim). In our digital ummah, content creators are shepherds of stories, values, and influence, reaching millions with a single post. The question is: What legacy are we leaving behind?
The Faith Behind the Feed: Why Intention Matters

In Islam, every action begins with intention (niyyah). Content creation, therefore, is not merely a career or a pastime, it becomes an act of worship if done with sincerity and benefit to humanity. Are we entertaining minds while educating hearts? Are we sparking laughter without compromising values? Are we speaking truth to power with dignity?

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us that the best of people are those most beneficial to others. Imagine then, a generation of Muslim content creators who use their platforms to heal wounds, dismantle stereotypes, and build bridges of understanding across faiths, nations, and cultures. This is no longer a dream as it is already happening.
Global Muslim Creators Changing the Narrative
From YouTube to TikTok, from podcasts to panels, Muslims across the world are using their voices to uplift, educate, and inspire. Some of the examples are shared below;
Omar Suleiman (USA): A scholar and humanitarian, Dr. Suleiman’s digital sermons and reflections on justice have reached millions globally, offering a blend of spirituality and activism that resonates far beyond the Muslim community.

Zahra Langhi (Libya): As a storyteller and peace advocate, Zahra combines grassroots activism with digital storytelling to amplify women’s roles in peacebuilding in post-conflict societies.

Sheikh Ibrahim Isa Ali Pantami (Nigeria): A distinguished global content creator that leverages social media platforms to share profound Islamic teachings while bridging faith and technology. He is widely known for promoting the ethical use of modern technologies including Artificial Intelligence through an Islamic lens. His content, delivered fluently in both English and Hausa, addresses the intersection of spirituality, ethics, and innovation, making him a leading voice in advocating for a faith-driven approach to digital transformation.
Khabane Lame (Senegal/Italy): Without speaking a word, Khabane became one of the most followed TikTokers globally, dismantling complex life hacks with simplicity, humility, and humor. This is a testimony that kindness and wit transcend borders.
Amena Khan (UK): A trailblazer in fashion and beauty, Amena redefined the representation of Muslim women in Western media, proving that faith and creativity are not mutually exclusive.
Nouman Ali Khan (USA): His accessible Qur’anic explanations have brought Islamic literacy to the digital masses, especially among young Muslims seeking purpose and identity in a fast-paced world.

Muhammad Salah and Sadio Mané (Egypt/Senegal): Not typical content creators, yet their social media presence, charity work, and public prayers on the football pitch have done more to normalize Islam in the public eye than a thousand press releases ever could.

Islamic Ethics in Digital Storytelling
In a world addicted to likes and virality, Islam calls us to higher ground. Content should not only entertain; it should enlighten. It should not exploit ; it should empower. Whether we are creating comedy, commentary, campaigns, or conversations, we are accountable before God and humanity.
Islam promotes:
Truthfulness (Sidq) that means avoiding misinformation, clickbait, and manipulation and Compassion (Rahma) promotes portraying others with empathy, avoiding mockery and shame.
Also Justice (‘Adl) in the sense of giving voice to the voiceless, speaking out against oppression and prejudice; and modesty (Haya’) meaning as upholding dignity in language, visuals, and self-presentation. This is in addition to Wisdom (Hikmah); knowing when to speak, what to share, and how to reach hearts constructively.
The Holy Qur’an reminds us: “Say what is best; for Satan sows discord among them.” (Qur’an 17:53). In a world teeming with digital outrage and algorithmic rage, Muslims must model a content culture of calm, kindness, and clarity.
A Bridge to Humanity: Dawah Through Creativity
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not just a messenger, he was a communicator par excellence. He engaged people at their level, used stories, analogies, poetry, and even humor. In that spirit, modern content creation becomes a form of dawah, not just preaching Islam, but living it in ways that heal and humanize.
Guardians of Goodness in a Digital Age
For too long, Muslims have been spoken about in the media. Now, they are speaking for themselves — with authenticity, confidence, and global reach. But this rise comes with responsibility. Every view, every follower, every upload is a trust.
Let Muslim content creators across the globe remember that they are not mere entertainers or influencers as they are also ambassadors of a faith that calls to peace, justice, mercy, and beauty. Their work can be a sadaqah jariyah as a continuous charity if done with intention and integrity.
The world is thirsty for hope, for sincerity, for meaning. Who better than the Ummah of “Read!” (Iqra!) — the first command revealed to the Prophet to lead this content revolution?
Conclusion: From Followers to Leaders
Content Creation real goal Islam is not just to gain followers — but to lead them towards light. Not just to build platforms, but to build hearts, minds, and bridges of understanding.
To the Muslim content creator reading this: You are not just scrolling and uploading. You are shaping the world. Make your content count in this life, and the next.

About the Author
Musa Abdullahi Sufi is a global development advocate, writer, and Founder at SIDES. He explores the intersection of ethics, faith, and social impact in Africa and beyond.