You pick up your phone for “just five minutes” and suddenly, an hour has passed. Scrolling through endless posts, watching influencers, and comparing your life to picture-perfect reels, it all seems harmless, right? But what if I told you that your social media habits might be silently harming your connection with Allah (SWT)?
Social media can be a double-edged sword. It can inspire, educate, and connect us, but it can also distract, corrupt, and weaken our Imaan if we’re not careful. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us, “A person follows the religion of his close friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend” (Abu Dawood). Today, our “close friends” include the influencers and content creators we follow.
So, how do you know if social media is harming your Imaan? Here are 9 warning signs, and powerful solutions from the Sunnah to help you fix them!
1. You Start and End Your Day on Social Media
The Problem: Instead of starting with Fajr or ending with Du’a, your first and last action is checking notifications.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) would begin his day with gratitude and end it with reflection. Try placing your phone away from your bed and start your morning with Alhamdulillah instead of Instagram. Before sleeping, recite the evening Du’as and disconnect from screens for at least 30 minutes.
2. You Spend Hours Scrolling but Struggle to Read Qur’an
The Problem: You can binge-watch reels for hours, but reading even one page of the Qur’an feels like a chore.
The Fix: Remember, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari) Replace just 10 minutes of scrolling with Qur’an recitation or listening to Islamic lectures.
3. You Compare Your Life to Influencers and Feel Inadequate
The Problem: Seeing perfect bodies, dream vacations, and luxury lifestyles makes you feel like your life isn’t enough.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) advised, “Look at those below you (in worldly matters) and do not look at those above you, for this will make you appreciate Allah’s blessings upon you.” (Muslim) Unfollow accounts that make you feel ungrateful and follow content that uplifts your Deen.
4. You Follow Haram Content Thinking “It’s Just Entertainment”
The Problem: You follow influencers who promote immodesty, gossip, or questionable values, convincing yourself it’s “just for fun.”
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Modesty is a branch of faith.” (Bukhari) Be mindful of what you consume, if it doesn’t bring you closer to Allah, it’s time to hit unfollow.
5. You Engage in Gossip and Online Drama
The Problem: You get caught up in celebrity scandals, subtweeting, or watching TikTok beef unfold.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari) Before commenting or sharing, ask yourself: Would I say this in front of Allah?
6. You Feel Anxious or Empty After Being Online
The Problem: Instead of feeling inspired, social media leaves you drained, insecure, or unfulfilled.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) found peace in Salah and Dhikr. Every time you feel social media anxiety creeping in, take a break, perform Wudu, and pray two Rakat to refresh your soul.
7. You Prioritize Social Media Over Worship
The Problem: You delay Salah, rush through Du’as, or miss Islamic reminders because you’re glued to your screen.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The first thing a person will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment is his prayer.” (Tirmidhi) Set prayer alarms, log out during Salah times, and remind yourself that no post is worth missing a conversation with Allah.
8. You Crave Likes and Validation More Than Allah’s Approval
The Problem: You feel validated by likes, shares, and comments more than by your relationship with Allah.
The Fix: Remember, true success is in pleasing Allah, not people. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.” (Muslim) Post with intention, ask yourself, Is this for Allah or for attention?
9. You Keep Telling Yourself “I’ll Fix It Later”
The Problem: You recognize the harm but keep postponing change.
The Fix: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.” (Tirmidhi) Change starts NOW. Pick one habit today and commit to improving it.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Take Back Your Imaan?
Social media is a tool, it’s up to us whether we use it for good or let it pull us away from Allah (SWT). The key is balance and mindful consumption.
Now, I want to hear from you! What’s one habit from this list you’re ready to change today? Comment below and let’s inspire each other!
If this post resonated with you, share it with a sister who needs to read it! Let’s create a digital space that strengthens our Deen, not weakens it.