Gen Z Muslims in the UK turn to social media for spiritual guidance over mosques

A recent poll by Hyphen and Savanta reveals that 71% of Gen Z Muslims in the UK turn to social media for spiritual advice. The same survey found that only 68% sometimes visit mosques to pray. Many young Muslims now balance traditional guidance with digital resources for their faith. Salmaan Abdullah, a 21-year-old from east London, found his religious engagement growing during the pandemic. With mosques closed, he used a Quranic app to study and hosted online listening parties for Islamic lectures. Though he stopped attending mosque regularly at the time, he now plans to go every night for taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.

Others, like 24-year-old Mustafa from Leeds, watch dawah influencers’ videos but do not see them as religious authorities. Hafsa, a 22-year-old from Walsall, relies on Islamic reminders pages on Instagram and TikTok to deepen her understanding of the faith. Mishti Ali, a Cambridge student, notes that marginalised groups often face hostility online and that some influencers share divisive views on gender and sexuality.

Despite the rise of digital platforms, most young Muslims still prefer seeking advice from qualified imams and scholars. Some, however, also look to social media figures for spiritual guidance. The poll highlights a shift in how young UK Muslims access religious knowledge. While traditional sources remain important, social media now plays a major role in their spiritual lives. Many continue to attend mosques, though not as frequently as before.