What is the healthiest way to manage advertisements on smart TVs that show haram content? 

Parenting Perspective 

Take Practical Steps First 

Children are highly impressionable, and repeated exposure to inappropriate imagery in advertisements can normalise things that go against Islamic values. The first line of defence is to use the available practical tools: enable ad-blockers, subscribe to ad-free services, or choose platforms that minimise such content. In some cases, a simple but effective safeguard is to disconnect the smart TV from the internet entirely during family viewing time. 

Explain the ‘Why,’ Not Just the ‘How’ 

It is also important to explain to children the reasoning behind these measures. Saying, ‘Some of the adverts show things that do not align with our family’s values, so we choose not to allow them in our home,’ helps them to understand the ‘why.’ This teaches children that the goal is not about control, but about protecting the heart and maintaining a spiritually clean and peaceful home environment. 

Replace Ad-Supported Content with Positive Alternatives 

Parents should also proactively fill their family’s screen time with uplifting and positive alternatives. For example, streaming ad-free, family-friendly shows, watching Islamic documentaries, or using the smart TV to display Quranic verses can change the atmosphere entirely. By doing this, the television becomes associated with purposeful and wholesome content, rather than with a constant battle against inappropriate adverts. 

Spiritual Insight 

Protecting the Eyes is an Act of Purity 

The Quran commands believers to lower their gaze and guard themselves against looking at that which is impermissible. Protecting our eyes and those of our children from harmful imagery is a fundamental act of obedience and a means of attaining inner purity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verse 30: 

‘ Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) to the believing men to lower their gaze (upon forbidden things); and protect their private parts (with chastity); these actions shall help them (attain) piety; indeed, Allah (Almighty is All Cognisant of all of their actions.‘ 

Guarding the Heart from Harmful Content 

The prophetic tradition teaches that repeated exposure to sin, even in small doses, can have a cumulative effect on the heart. Guarding our homes from inappropriate content is a way of protecting the spiritual wellbeing of the entire family. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 3334, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, refrains, and seeks forgiveness, it will be polished. But if he increases (in sin), it increases until it covers his heart.’ 

Protecting the Home with Intention 

By combining practical solutions with clear explanations and positive alternatives, parents can both protect their children and teach them self-awareness. Over time, children learn that managing exposure to harmful advertisements is not an act of fear, but is a way of honouring modesty, inviting barakah, and seeking closeness to Allah Almighty.