In this blog, we explore Sheikh Ali Hammuda’s seven key tests to help you evaluate whether it’s time to take a break from social media. These tests are rooted in Islamic values and offer practical ways to assess your usage.
1. Gender Interactions
Sheikh Hammuda starts by pointing out how social media has made it easier for men and women to interact, often in ways that wouldn’t happen in real life. He reminds us of the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings on modesty and the boundaries Islam sets between men and women. While interactions between the genders aren’t forbidden, they should always be respectful, necessary, and mindful of Islamic etiquette. Sheikh Hammuda stresses that we need to ask ourselves: are we allowing social media to push us into inappropriate or unnecessary conversations?
2. Publicising Sins
We all make mistakes, but Sheikh Hammuda highlights the difference between committing a sin privately and showcasing it online. Social media has made it easy for people to flaunt actions that are displeasing to Allah, turning what should be a moment of repentance into an act of defiance. He quotes the Hadith, “Every member of my ummah will be forgiven except those who sin openly.” When we share sins online, we’re not only harming ourselves but also normalising that behaviour for others. Are you revealing things that should remain private between you and Allah?
3. Seeking Validation
Have you ever wondered why you feel the urge to share your every happy moment? Sheikh Hammuda humorously addresses this need for validation, likening it to needing someone to tell you you’re having fun in order to enjoy yourself. He warns that this need for approval leads to spiritual harm. We lose the sincerity of living for Allah alone when we constantly seek the approval of others. Sheikh Hammuda reminds us that the only validation we truly need is from Allah, and chasing likes and comments won’t bring us lasting peace.
4. Social Media Addiction
Sheikh Hammuda discusses how social media has reprogrammed our brains to seek instant gratification. The dopamine hit we get from likes and shares can become addictive, making it hard to disconnect. This affects not only our mental health but also our ability to connect spiritually. Many of us spend hours scrolling at night, unable to sleep, which leaves us drained and distracted during the day. Sheikh Hammuda asks, are you spending more time on your phone than in meaningful worship or reflection?
5. Encouraging Sin
You might think a simple “like” or comment is harmless, but Sheikh Hammuda warns that even passive engagement can promote sinful behaviour. Whether it’s approving of someone’s inappropriate post or sharing harmful content, we become complicit in spreading sin. He brings up the concept of sin by association in Islam. By engaging with content that contradicts Islamic values, we indirectly encourage it. Are your interactions on social media helping others stay on the right path, or are they contributing to their misguidance?
6. Displaying Happiness
Sheikh Hammuda urges us to reflect on why we feel the need to broadcast every joyful moment. While it’s natural to want to share blessings, doing so publicly invites envy and the evil eye. He references the Hadith, “Hold on to privacy in your affairs, for everyone who has a blessing is envied.” By constantly sharing our successes, we may unknowingly invite harm or jealousy. Are we oversharing and exposing our blessings to the world, or are we keeping them protected and private as Islam encourages?
7. Gaze and Modesty
One of the most powerful points Sheikh Hammuda raises is the issue of controlling our gaze. Social media exposes us to content that can harm our hearts and minds, particularly inappropriate images or videos. He emphasizes that lowering the gaze, a command from Allah in the Qur’an, applies to both real-life and online interactions. With millions of images uploaded daily, it’s easy to slip into habits that compromise our modesty. Are we taking responsibility for what we consume online, or are we allowing our gaze to stray?
So, Do You Need a Break?
Sheikh Ali Hammuda acknowledges that social media has brought tremendous benefits, especially for dawah and connecting people with Islam. However, it also presents significant spiritual challenges. If your interactions, habits, or mindset around social media are causing more harm than good, it may be time to step back. Whether it’s a full detox or a reassessment of how you engage online, the goal is to realign your focus with Allah.
Based on a video by Sheikh Ali Hammuda:
Here are relevant past articles on this topic: A Muslima’s guide to social media etiquette | Social Media Etiquette Part Two | A Muslim Woman’s Guide to Navigating Social Media
