Answer: There is no doubt that anyone struggling with this kind of addiction needs to address the root cause of the problem. However, there are multiple ways to approach this.
The first way I would advise is by enabling technological solutions that can restrict your access. This could include parental controls where you give the password to someone else or set a random password you don’t know, thereby blocking access to adult or inappropriate material. It might involve asking your internet service provider or mobile phone provider to block access, or downloading specific apps or software that restrict access or send your browsing activity to others.
There are many technological solutions available, and while this is not the right place to list them all, you should seek a solution within technology to restrict your access. That’s the first step.
The second point is that this alone is not enough because the motivation and desire are very strong. Any technological solution can potentially be bypassed.
Typically, such material is viewed when people are alone, often at certain times of the day—such as in the bathroom, a locked bedroom, or late at night. Reducing or removing access to your phone during those times and choosing to use it only in public spaces is essential. For example, if you are using your phone for Qur’an or seeking knowledge, these activities can be done in public spaces, like the Masjid, outdoors, or in the living room in front of family members. Restrict your access to your phone during private times to limit opportunities for misuse.
Additionally, avoid using multi-purpose apps. For instance, YouTube can be used for both good and harmful content. It may be better to use a private portal or app specifically designed for Islamic or Qur’anic knowledge, eliminating the need for the YouTube app, which could expose you to harmful material.
Reducing all potential sources or pathways for this issue to arise is critical.
It is also vital to follow up every wrong action with a good deed. In the hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:
اتق الله حيثما كنت واتبع السيئة الحسنة تمحها، وخالق الناس بخلق حسن
"Fear Allah wherever you are, do good deeds after doing bad ones, the former will wipe out the latter, and behave decently towards people".
Protect yourself from Allah’s punishment by doing what He has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. Whenever you commit a bad deed, immediately follow it with a good one to wipe it out, and ensure you treat others with excellent character.
It’s equally important to distance yourself from your phone during times when you don’t need it. You don’t need a phone to read the muṣḥaf or a paper book that you’ve purchased. Choosing these alternatives can help reduce reliance on your phone.
Another helpful approach is ensuring you never delete your internet history and being open to allowing others to view it. You don’t have to overtly invite someone to check your history, but making an effort not to delete it or disabling the option to do so creates accountability. Keeping your phone without a password and accessible within the house can also help ensure you remain mindful of your actions, knowing others could see what you’ve done.
These represent some practical steps for addressing this issue. It’s essential to recognize the seriousness of this addiction, the immense harm it causes, and the severe consequences it leads to in the sight of Allah.
I ask Allah to make it easy for you to rectify yourself, to use what Allah has given you for good, and to act in a way that pleases Him. And Allah knows best.
— Answered by Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble
