How can families encourage children to seek out Islamic digital spaces as alternatives to harmful ones? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children are often drawn to harmful digital spaces simply because they are engaging, social, and widely promoted. They may not even be aware that healthy, faith-based alternatives are available. Parents can play a crucial role by proactively introducing their children to safe Islamic platforms, apps, and communities that can blend learning with fun, replacing a curiosity for harmful spaces with an excitement for positive ones. 

Show Them That Positive Alternatives Exist 

It is important to show children that uplifting and beneficial spaces are available to them. By introducing them to high-quality Islamic platforms, apps, or creative channels, you can replace their curiosity for harmful content with an excitement for positive engagement. 

Make It a Shared Experience 

Rather than simply recommending an Islamic app or channel, you can make it a shared family experience by exploring it together. Watching short, beneficial reminders, listening to beautiful nasheeds, or even joining an online Islamic class as a family demonstrates that faith-based digital content can be both enriching and enjoyable. When children see their parents using these platforms themselves, they feel more encouraged to join in naturally. 

Encourage Friendships in Positive Spaces 

Children are far more likely to remain engaged in a particular space if they can share the experience with their peers. Parents can facilitate this by connecting their children with online youth groups, virtual halaqas, or Islamic clubs, so that their sense of social belonging becomes tied to these safe and positive environments. Over time, children will begin to associate their digital life not with isolation or danger, but with connection, guidance, and joy. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that the company we keep has a profound impact on our character and faith. By encouraging children to seek out wholesome Islamic digital spaces, families can help them to find ‘good companions’ online who will strengthen, rather than weaken, their iman. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Kahf (18), Verses 28: 

‘ (O my Servant) show restraint upon yourself, (and join with) the company of those people who pray to their Sustainer, morning and evening, desiring that one day they shall meet Him (Allah Almighty); and do not even glance your eyes over those who (live in ignorance, and superficially) desire the luxuries of the worldly life…’ 

This verse is a powerful reminder that we should actively choose to be in the company of righteous people, whether in person or online, as this helps to strengthen our faith and keeps our hearts focused on Allah. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 5534, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the one who blows the bellows The seller of musk will either offer you some, or you will buy some from him, or you will smell a pleasant fragrance. But the one who blows the bellows will either burn your clothes or you will smell a foul odour.’ 

This beautiful analogy teaches us that the digital spaces we frequent and the online personalities we follow will inevitably influence us, either by uplifting our character with a beautiful fragrance or by tarnishing it with a foul one. 

By making this a priority, parents can show their children that the digital world does not have to be a place of distraction, but can in fact be a source of light, community, and immense spiritual growth when it is navigated with the guidance of Allah.