How should parents respond when their teen follows influencers who mock religious values? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a teenager is entertained by influencers who mock religion, a harsh or angry reaction can push them further away. The goal is to nurture their own sense of spiritual honour (ghayrah) so they choose to turn away from such content themselves. 

Start with Curiosity, Not Confrontation 

Begin with a calm, private conversation. Instead of demanding they unfollow, ask gently, ‘I have noticed you watch this person a lot. What is it that you find interesting about them?’ This approach makes a teen feel heard rather than judged, creating an opening for guidance. 

Guide Them to Analyse, Not Just Absorb 

Encourage them to think critically about what they are consuming. Ask reflective questions like, ‘How does it feel in your heart when they make a joke about something we believe is sacred?’ or ‘Do you think making fun of someone’s faith is a sign of intelligence?’ This helps them develop their own internal filter and recognise the disrespect for themselves. 

Appeal to Their Sense of Honour and Identity 

Frame the issue around their own dignity as a Muslim. You can say, ‘Allah has honoured you with this beautiful faith. Following people who mock it can slowly chip away at our own self-respect and love for our identity’. This appeals to a teenager’s developing sense of self and maturity. 

Offer Inspiring and Positive Alternatives 

Actively help your teen find and follow successful, confident, and engaging Muslim role models who are funny and relatable without being disrespectful. When they see that it is possible to be ‘cool’ while still being a proud Muslim, they are less likely to feel they are missing out by unfollowing toxic influences. 

By combining respectful dialogue with a focus on their own spiritual dignity, parents can guide a teen to detach from harmful content by choice, not by force. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam is unequivocal that mocking Allah, His messengers, or His signs is not a light matter to be dismissed as casual humour. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tawbah (9), Verse 65: 

‘…Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “Is it Allah (Almighty) and His Signs (of the infinite truth) and His Messenger (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), that you were seeking to scorn?”’ 

This verse establishes a clear and serious boundary. It teaches a teenager that while Islam has a place for humour, joking about the sacred elements of our faith is a major transgression, not a harmless laugh. 

The company we keep and the people we admire have a direct bearing on our destination in the Hereafter. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, 368, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A person will be with those whom he loves (follows and admires).‘ 

This profound hadith is a powerful reminder for the social media age. It teaches a teenager that the act of ‘following’ an influencer is a statement of love and admiration. It encourages them to ask themselves: “Who do I want to be with on the Day of Judgement?” This shifts the choice of who to follow from a casual pastime to a matter of eternal significance.