The Most Dangerous Article on Mobile Phones: Clutching a Phone is Worse than Opium Addiction
By Sheikh Al-Muqri’ Abdel Latif Boualam
There is no doubt that nearly everyone in the world—young and old, male and female—has become a hostage to a new kind of addiction that has invaded every place without exception: homes, cafés, alleys, workplaces, salons, and even bathrooms (yes, I mean toilets). Everyone is glued to their phones, whether rich or poor. A person may sit among their family, relatives, or friends, but their mind is lost in what they scrolled through yesterday, earlier that morning, or even in the moment—caught in the illusions of material and sensual happiness served up by social media. Stranger still, they find it hard to put their phone down, needing to like and comment on the influencers’ trivial content, even if they are in the restroom, keeping up with the latest news while others suffer misfortunes.
A Digital Addiction That Consumes Time and Worship
Worse still, people spend endless hours, even days, on their phones, leading some to neglect their prayers or abandon them altogether, indulging in excessive screen time. As for reading the Qur’an, that has become one of the three impossible things—unless, of course, there is a financial reward involved. Even then, some merely recite while swaying to musical tones, eyes fixed on their phones, anticipating notifications, and scrolling between verses, oblivious to the presence of others, whether at funerals or feasts. Some even watch football matches at mourning gatherings, laughing while others grieve.
This alarming and destructive phenomenon has unfortunately spread to religious circles—among Qur’an reciters, preachers, and lecturers in various conferences and ceremonies. With few exceptions, attendees remain absorbed in their screens, waiting only for their turn to speak, while others prioritize selfies for show and validation, as if to say: “Look at me, I was here!”
The Disruptive Presence of Phones in Worship and Daily Life
What is even more bizarre is that some people interrupt their prayers to answer phone calls in mosques and public places, disconnecting from their Lord just to engage with their “Satanic brothers” who have no regard for prayer times. Ringtones, infused with music and inappropriate tunes, frequently disrupt the sanctity of houses of worship, making it almost impossible to experience spiritual tranquility.
And the biggest disaster? The moment the internet connection drops, people instantly become restless, as if they were suffocating, isolating themselves in frustration, raging over their lost digital lifeline. Some even lose their temper, blaming those around them for their supposed ill fate, unable to wander in their imaginary worlds anymore.
A Deadly Addiction That Destroys Social Bonds
This is nothing short of a lethal addiction. The wise among these addicts are those who reassess their lives, realizing that they were not created for trivial distractions, but rather to fulfill a purpose that leads them to paradise. However, the vast majority remain blind, deceived by the temptations of this world, wasting their lives on frivolities, indulging in entertainment and debauchery, until death suddenly strikes, leaving no room for regret or repentance.
“But Some Use Their Phones for Good” – A Weak Justification
One might argue that not all screen time is wasted, as some use their devices for spreading knowledge and benefiting others. This is true to some extent, but the impact is minimal. Even those who consider themselves wise and cautious sometimes fall into verbal blunders or social missteps, caught by the ever-watchful lenses of digital scrutiny, only to face public criticism and distortion.
A Wake-Up Call for a Digital Age at Risk
This article serves as a warning against the dangers of clinging to this mind-numbing device, which damages both intellect and health. If I were not personally struggling with this hidden enemy myself, like many others, I would not have shared these observations. This digital plague has severely disrupted relationships, fractured families, and weakened social bonds, even among those who once held firm to religious teachings.
Let your judgment decide whether we have lost control or if there is still hope for redemption.
