Escapism

In psychology, escapism is the tendency to escape from the real world to the delight or security of a fantasy world.

Escapism can be the opposite of mindfulness. Escapism allows us to numb ourselves to a reality we may not want to accept.

Within the context of the Quran, escapism can be presented as a human activity, primarily aimed at the Banal life. Anything, but not for the most important - emulous acts for Hereafter.

Etymology

The triliteral root lām hā wāw (ل ه و), according to corpus.quran.com, occurs in the Quran 16 times.

In the Quran

Panem et circenses («bread and circuses»)

«Bread and circuses» is a metonymic phrase referring to superficial appeasement.

(6:32) This Banal life is nothing more than games and an escapism (Arab. وَلَهْوٌ, walahwun), and the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who are aware. Will you not be cleverer?

(29:64) This Banal life is no more than escapism (Arab. لَهْوٌ, lahwun) and games , while the abode of the Hereafter is the reality, if they only knew.

(47:36) This Banal life is nothing more than games and an escapism (Arab. وَلَهْوٌ, walahwun). But if you immune and (show) responsibility, He will give your gratuity, and He will not ask you for your wealth.

(57:20) Know that this Banal life is nothing more than games and an escapism (Arab. وَلَهْوٌ, walahwun), and boasting among you, and an increase in wealth and children. It is like plants that are supplied by an abundant rain, which appear pleasing farmers. But then they dry up and turn yellow, and become useless hay. In the Hereafter there is severe retribution, and forgiveness from Allah and approval. This Banal life is no more than a deceiving enjoyment.

Escapism for losers

(6:70) Leave alone those who have taken their system as a game and escapism (Arab. وَلَهْوًا, walahwan), and this banal life has tempted them. Remind with it that a person will suffer for what it has earned, it will not have besides Allah any supporter nor intercessor and even if it offers every ransom, none will be accepted from it. These are the ones who have suffered with what they have earned. For them will be a boiling drink, and a painful retribution for what they had rejected.

(63:9) O you who immune! Do not escape (Arab. تُلْهِكُمْ, tul'hikum) in your money and your children from the methodology of Allah. Those who do this, will be the losers.

Acquaintance with the Hereafter is inevitable

(15:3) Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied (Arab. وَيُلْهِهِمُ, wayul'hihimu) with hope. But soon they (will be) acquainted.

(102:1-2) You are (haunted by) an escapism (Arab. أَلْهَاكُمُ, alhākumu) in accrue, until you're zeroed by burial.