In an era defined by hyper-connectivity, digital screens serve as a continuous window into the curated milestones of other people’s lives. Daily routines are routinely juxtaposed with announcements of new careers, newborn arrivals, exotic vacations, and the acquisition of luxury goods. While these moments of celebration—often accompanied by expressions of gratitude such as mashaAllah—are meant to be joyous occasions, they frequently trigger an unintended psychological and spiritual side effect: a pervasive sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own lived reality.
This modern dilemma was a focal point of discussion during a notable presentation by speaker Lobna Mulla at the MASCON2017 convention, captured in a widely circulated video entitled "Not Everything that Shines is Gold." Mulla’s insights address a growing concern among contemporary believers who struggle to maintain spiritual balance while navigating a digital landscape dominated by highlights reels and filtered perfection.
Despite the anxieties often induced by digital platforms, industry observers and community leaders note that social media itself is not inherently detrimental. It remains an invaluable tool for maintaining kinship, bridging geographical divides, and staying connected with loved ones across the globe. The challenge, therefore, lies not in the technology of communication, but in how individuals process the streams of information constantly fed into their daily lives.
The central question facing many individuals today is how to protect their mental and spiritual well-being from the subtle poison of comparison. How can a person cultivate genuine contentment and recognize the blessings embedded in their own life when bombarded with images of perceived perfection?
According to traditional Islamic teachings, the solutions to modern anxieties are often found in timeless spiritual principles. Both the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer clear, straightforward guidance on how to navigate the psychological traps of material comparison and societal pressure.
A foundational piece of advice attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructs believers to look toward those who have been given less in worldly matters, rather than those who possess more. This prophetic prescription shifts the human gaze away from the upper echelons of wealth, status, and physical luxury, directing attention instead toward the realities of those experiencing hardship.
In practice, community elders and counselors suggest that this prophetic wisdom requires active engagement with the world outside of digital spaces. Many Muslims face continuous trials, whether through chronic illness, financial instability, or social displacement. Engaging directly with these realities—such as spending an afternoon visiting someone who is sick or facing adversity—often radically alters an individual’s perspective. Experiencing firsthand the resilience of those undergoing severe trials tends to dissolve petty complaints and instantly generate a profound sense of gratitude for basic provisions like health, safety, and daily sustenance.
Trusting in Allah’s Provisions
At the heart of overcoming the trap of social comparison is a renewed trust in the divine decree and an understanding of Ar-Razzaq, the All-Provider. When individuals anchor their self-worth in material metrics derived from social media feeds, they frequently fall victim to feelings of inadequacy. Many people report logging off their computers or putting down their smartphones with a lingering sense that they are not wealthy enough, attractive enough, intelligent enough, or fortunate enough.
This persistent undercurrent of inadequacy does a profound disservice to the daily blessings bestowed by the Creator. Spiritual teachers emphasize that shifting one’s focus away from virtual feeds and toward tangible human interactions allows individuals to truly appreciate, value, and give thanks for what they have been given.
In her talk, Sister Lobna Mulla addresses this exact psychological vulnerability, reminding audiences that outward appearances can be deceiving and that the glittering lives portrayed online do not always reflect inner peace or divine favor. Her brief yet impactful presentation encourages viewers to reevaluate their standards of success and find solace in spiritual grounding rather than worldly accumulation.
As digital spaces continue to evolve and consume larger portions of daily life, the struggle to maintain contentment remains a relevant and pressing topic for individuals seeking emotional and spiritual equilibrium. By consciously shifting perspectives, engaging with the realities of those facing hardships, and grounding self-worth in faith rather than virtual validation, believers can navigate the modern world with greater peace of mind.