Be A GOOD MUSLIM

The Trap of Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling, Distractions, and the Decline of Iman: An Islamic Perspective

Introduction

In the age of technology, we have unlimited access to information at our fingertips. While this can be beneficial, it has also led to unhealthy habits such as doomscrolling—the act of obsessively scrolling through negative news and distressing content. This behavior not only fuels anxiety and depression but also weakens our faith (iman) by making us focus on the negativity of the world rather than the mercy of Allah.

Additionally, modern distractions such as music, entertainment, and exposure to indecency (fahash) on social media and television are further diverting people from their faith. Instead of seeking solace in the Qur’an and Sunnah, many turn to clueless songs, immoral content, and mindless entertainment that harm both their mental and spiritual well-being.

Inspired by Mufti Menk’s 2020 speech on Muslim Central, this article explores why doomscrolling, entertainment, and exposure to fahash are leading to anxiety, depression, and a decline in iman. We will also look at how Islam provides guidance on protecting ourselves from these harmful influences.

Understanding Doomscrolling and Its Impact

Doomscrolling is the habit of continuously consuming negative and distressing news, which leads to increased stress, fear, and hopelessness. Studies show that excessive exposure to bad news can cause a rise in cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to anxiety and depression. From an Islamic perspective, doomscrolling is harmful because it fills the heart with unnecessary worry and takes away tawakkul (trust in Allah).

1. Anxiety and Fear Due to Doomscrolling

When people spend hours consuming bad news, they begin to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Islam teaches us to trust in Allah’s plan rather than drowning in fear. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And put your trust in Allah; and sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.” (Qur’an 33:3)

Excessive worry about world affairs leads to emotional distress, while true peace comes from placing our trust in Allah.

2. Depression and Loss of Hope

Doomscrolling often leads to feelings of hopelessness, where people believe there is no way out of suffering. However, Islam strongly discourages despair. Allah reminds us:

“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are (true) believers.” (Qur’an 3:139)

Instead of allowing negative content to consume our minds, we should remember that trials are a test from Allah and that relief will come.

3. Distraction from Worship and Dhikr

One of the biggest dangers of doomscrolling is that it distracts a person from the remembrance of Allah (dhikr). People who spend hours scrolling often neglect their prayers, Qur’an recitation, and dua. Allah warns us:

“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” (Qur’an 63:9)

If material distractions can cause loss, then mindless scrolling and exposure to negativity can also lead to spiritual loss.

The Role of Music, Entertainment, and Immorality in Weakening Iman

In addition to doomscrolling, many Muslims are distracted by music, entertainment, and immoral content on social media and television. These distractions often contain fahash (indecency), which weakens faith and distances a person from Allah.