“Know that the worldly life is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. [It is] like vegetation after rain—its growth pleases the farmer, but soon it withers, and you see it turn yellow, then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter, there is severe torment, as well as forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”
— Quran, Surah al-Ḥadīd, Chapter 57, The Iron, Verse 20
In today’s world, we have become deeply dependent on our mobile phones—for banking, shopping, work, and communication. Yet with this convenience has come a growing problem: doomscrolling—the habit of continually scrolling through and consuming depressing or worrying content on social media or news platforms, especially on our phones.
What begins as a desire to stay informed can easily turn into a fascination, a curiosity, and eventually, an addiction. While it is important to remain aware of current events, most news today is focused on negativity and shock, which can demoralize and weaken the believer’s heart.
The Quran reminds us that this worldly life is fleeting. We must therefore guard our time and attention carefully. Doomscrolling, though seemingly harmless, can waste precious hours and, more dangerously, erode our hope. Shayṭān seeks to plant despair in our hearts so that we lose faith in Allah’s mercy and compassion.
“And never give up hope of Allah’s mercy. Certainly, no one despairs of Allah’s mercy except the people who disbelieve.”
— Quran, Sūrah Yūsuf, Chapter 12, Prophet Joseph, Verse 87
As believers, we must be discerning about what we expose our eyes, ears, and hearts to. Social media has made it possible for us to witness more suffering and oppression than any generation before us. While this awareness can inspire empathy and action, overexposure can also harm our spiritual well-being. We risk becoming passive observers—voyeurs of pain and tragedy—consuming endless streams of distressing content that we can do little to change.
This can slowly chip away at our sense of hope, surrounding us in an echo chamber of misery and despair. Yet Allah reminds us that trials and tribulations are a necessary part of faith:
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise without such trials as came to those who passed away before you? They experienced suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and the faithful with him cried, ‘When will Allah’s help come?’ Indeed, the help of Allah is near.”
— Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, The Cow, Verse 214
Amid all this, it is vital to pause and reflect on the countless blessings that surround us each day. We have so much to be thankful for—from the beauty of the world around us to the astonishing miracle of our own bodies. Every heartbeat, every breath, every sunrise and drop of rain is a sign of Allah’s mercy and power. Gratitude grounds us; it shifts our focus from despair to appreciation, from what is wrong in the world to what is profoundly right. When we choose gratitude, we are reminded that despite the turmoil we see, Allah continues to nurture us with endless signs of His care.
“And if you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
— Quran, Surah an-Nahl, Chapter 16, The Bee, Verse 18
Allah’s help is always near, but many of us lack the wisdom, patience, and conviction to perceive it. If we are not cautious, constant exposure to negativity can damage our faith and dim our trust in Allah’s plan. The Quran, however, calls us to rise above despair, to place our full reliance on Allah, and to find peace in His mercy and wisdom.
This is not a call to indifference or apathy toward the suffering we see around us. Rather, it is a call to spiritual strength and discernment—to respond with wisdom, guided by faith and trust in Allah. Let us lift our hearts above the distractions and despair of this world, focusing instead on Allah’s power, mercy, and light.
May we cultivate gratitude, hope, and faith—trusting always that Allah’s help is near, and His mercy is greater than any darkness we may face.