How can parents guide children who follow ‘Islamic’ influencers that mix faith with un-Islamic ideas? 

Parenting Perspective 

In the modern digital landscape, many influencers present themselves as ‘Islamic’ voices, yet their content often blends elements of genuine faith with un-Islamic ideas, personal opinions, or misleading interpretations. Children and teenagers can easily follow these personalities, innocently assuming they represent authentic Islam. It is crucial for parents to approach this issue with wisdom, nurturing their child’s critical thinking skills rather than offering a harsh rejection that might cause them to defend the influencer even more. 

Start With Curiosity, Not Condemnation 

Begin by asking your child what it is they admire about a particular influencer: ‘What do you find inspiring or interesting about their videos?’ Showing genuine interest keeps the conversation open and prevents your child from becoming defensive. If you start by immediately dismissing or mocking the influencer, your child may feel that you are attacking them personally and will be less willing to listen. 

Teach the Importance of Checking Sources 

Gently explain to your child that our beautiful religion is not built on the popularity or charisma of individuals, but on authentic sources: the noble Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Encourage your child to develop the habit of verifying any religious claims they hear online by checking them against trustworthy scholarly resources. 

Highlight the Good, Then Gently Correct the Wrong 

Acknowledge any positive messages the influencer might be sharing, such as reminders to pray or to be kind to others. After validating what is good, you can then calmly and gently point out where some of their other ideas or practices may contradict authentic Islamic teachings. This balanced approach shows your child that you are being fair, not simply rejecting everything they find interesting. 

Model Critical Thinking in Faith 

The ultimate goal is to equip your child with the tools to think for themselves. Encourage them to ask critical questions about all the content they consume: ‘Does this person provide evidence for their claims from the Quran and Sunnah?’ and ‘Does this message align with the core values of Islam?’ This helps them to learn how to distinguish truth from distortion on their own. 

By guiding your child with patience and respect, you can protect them from confusion while nurturing an independent and correctly-grounded Islamic mindset. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam provides clear warnings against following voices that can mislead people, even when those voices use the language of religion. Parents should gently remind their children that the strength and beauty of Islam are found in its preserved, authentic sources, not in the charisma of online personalities who may mix truth with falsehood. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 6: 

‘ O you, who are believers, if there comes to you a deviant (person) with information, then cross-examine it; as it may cause you (unintentionally) to harm a nation in ignorance; as then afterwards you will become regretful over your actions.‘ 

This verse establishes a core principle for every Muslim: information must always be investigated and verified before it is accepted and acted upon, especially in matters of faith. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 6, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There will be in the end of my nation people who will narrate to you what neither you nor your forefathers have heard. So beware of them and stay away from them.’ 

This is a powerful reminder that not every voice claiming to speak for Islam is authentic. It teaches us that Muslims must remain cautious and hold firmly to the established truths of the religion to avoid being led astray by innovation or distortion. 

By consistently grounding their children in the teachings of the noble Quran and the Sunnah, parents can equip them with the tools to see beyond charismatic personalities. This helps them to learn, over time, that true guidance is not measured by online followers or fleeting trends, but by its faithfulness to the timeless truth of Allah Almighty.