How to Harness the Power of Social Content for Community Building

I often write about the importance of community, the glue that binds us together in difficult times. And nothing quite captures the spirit and importance of community than Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During this time, Muslims perform extra prayers, break fast with their loved ones, and spend more time performing good deeds with their families.?

However, millions do not have the luxury of spending time at home in Ramadan. They may need to be away because of work, studies, or other circumstances beyond their control. In such cases, social media can act as a supportive virtual community for those physically separated from their loved ones.?

Create a safe space

No two individuals will have the same day, even if they belong to the same religious community. To showcase the diversity of our user base, we ran a social media campaign in collaboration with influencers, encouraging people to share a sneak peek of their lives. The influencers created a series of Reels and Tiktoks using the hashtag “#ramadanreconnect”, and ask their followers to also create content chronicling how the Muslim Pro app enriches their Ramadan habits and routines.?

It is heartwarming to see strangers support one another during Ramadan and in times of need. However, this outpouring of love and positivity would not be possible if people did not feel that ours is a safe space to share their thoughts and emotions. When moderating an online space, it is essential that we remind users to be kind to one another, and refrain from behaving in a way that may sour the social media experience of others.?

So far, people have been nothing but respectful towards one another. However, here are a few guidelines we employ when conducting online sessions:

• We do not allow any negative, derogatory, offensive, abusive and rude comments.
• Comments should be kept to uplifting messages, and be supportive to? one another.
• We do not allow any comments that may be deemed judgemental. For example, do not pass remarks on a person’s Islamic practices or opinions. Bear in mind, Islam is not monolith.
• Respect the opinions of others, even if you do not necessarily agree with them. Any respondent who is hostile and/or disrespectful will be asked to leave the discussion.
• We do not ask for any personal details, and we keep to the topic at hand. The Community Manager will determine who to invite to share their thoughts.

Be a force for good

As the leader of a tech company, the adverse impact of social media, especially on our youth, is not lost on me. However, I greatly believe that social media, when used for good, can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on the wider community. Here at Bitsmedia, we have a responsibility to steer online conversations in a positive and constructive direction.

For instance, we kicked off our first live audio session titled “PositiviTEA” on Twitter Spaces, and invited a Muslim revert to share how the community can support reverts during Ramadan.?

To mark each passing day of the holy month, we are also hosting daily live sessions inviting people to make dhikr and dua in the last ten days of Ramadan. For those who may be unfamiliar with these terms, dhikr refers to the remembrance or mentioning of God, while dua is the act of supplication, or seeking assistance from God. To include those who missed the sessions, we upload the recordings onto our Twitter and encourage people to share the learnings if they find them valuable.

Thousands from around the world have tuned in to listen, discuss scripture, share Ramadan lessons, and exchange stories about their spiritual journeys, struggles, and learnings during the Holy Month. It is in these moments we realise how much we have in common with each other — even though we may not share the same culture and history, or even speak the same language.?

People crave connection, so we decided to elevate the Muslim Pro app experience by creating a space for “digital neighbourhoods” to be formed organically, further strengthening virtual bonds.?

Listen closely?

At Bitsmedia, we have the privilege of listening to 100 million people share their stories and their unique journey with us. Our content hub serves as a space that amplifies Muslim voices from all walks of life, offering people the opportunity to talk about their joys, struggles, and triumphs regarding identity, faith, and devotion to The Divine.?

We’ve received recipes from contributors? in the USA and the Middle East; recollections from an Afghan refugee celebrating Eid in Germany; and Islamic perspectives on parenting. Readers have learnt about the history of Islam, art and architecture, and the Islamic Golden Age.?

As long as people are curious, we welcome anyone with an interest in Islam to find out more about our community, regardless of whether or not they are Muslims. What’s more, reading about Islam from the perspectives of those who are deeply involved can help combat negative stereotypes not only about the Muslim community, but about the religion as a whole.?

Social media can be a blessing — but only as long as it is used in the right way. We have worked hard to carve out a corner on the Internet where people can find community and solidarity at the tap of a button, and look forward to seeing the creation of other similar safe spaces that connect millions of other kindred spirits.