by Dr. Ildus Rafikov
PhD, CIFP
“Indeed, the worst of all beings in the sight of Allah are the [willfully] deaf and dumb, who do not use reason.” (Al-Qur’an, 8:22)
In an age where digital communication permeates every aspect of our lives, the principles of the Qur’an, particularly within the Maqasid framework, offer valuable insights into developing purposeful, connected, and holistic discourse online. This methodology, grounded in a future-oriented, critical, and comprehensive approach, starts with reflections on the Qur’an and Sunnah, guiding us in navigating the complexities of the digital realm, especially in the era of artificial intelligence. By delving deeper into Qur’anic concepts, objectives, values, commands, universal laws, groups and proofs, we can develop the fiqh (understanding) of modern communications and related technologies.
The pervasiveness of the internet, with 5.4 billion users as of 2023 and nearly 4 billion actively participating on social media platforms, emphasizes the importance of purposeful communication. As digital interactions have become an integral part of our daily lives, they bring forth both benefits and obstacles. On one hand, the internet enables efficient communication, education, and commerce, but on the other hand, it also spreads fake news, cyberbullying, and misinformation. This duality calls for a mindful approach to how we interact with and distribute information online.
In accordance with Islamic teachings, Muslims must look to the principles of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for guidance. Numerous ayats advise believers to speak the truth and justice (Al-Nisa, 4:135 , Al-An’am, 6:152). Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177) emphasizes that true righteousness extends beyond mere ritual, encompassing profound faith in Allah, dedication to justice, good actions and benevolence towards others. Additionally, Surah Al-‘Imran (3:92) emphasizes that true goodness is achieved through selfless giving. These ayats underscore the importance of engaging with people with sincerity, honesty, justice, truth and a dedication to positive action. This equally applies to online interactions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further emphasized the importance of being beneficial to others and to speak only what is good and beneficial or to keep silent, a principle that should guide our digital engagements. Unfortunately, the internet’s vast repository of information, including religious content, often becomes a breeding ground for negativity, with some ‘religious’ individuals promote hatred of the ‘other’, throwing accusations of disbelief and blasphemy (takfeer) at anyone who does not conform to their ideas. Such behaviors undermine constructive discourse and community building. In order to address this issue, it is crucial to acquire knowledge from reliable sources that are grounded in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and to engage with scholars who carry authentic knowledge.
One of the key challenges in navigating the digital realm is striking a balance between cultivating relations and avoiding the pitfalls of isolation. While online communication has made it simpler than ever to connect with others, the anonymity it provides can exacerbate prejudices and biases. The Qur’an, in surah Al-Baqarah (2:27), warns against breaking the covenant with Allah and severing social ties, actions that lead to societal corruption. The importance of this warning is heightened in today’s digital era, where excessive internet usage can lead to social seclusion and the creation of echo chambers, thereby restricting access to a wide range of viewpoints and exacerbating misinterpretation.
We should use the internet to build genuine connections, promoting respectful dialogue and a culture of collaboration across communities. This can be achieved by producing and sharing content that encourages empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. By doing so, we reduce misinformation, misinterpretation and social seclusion. This is not only in-line with the ethical guidelines set forth in the Qur’an (Al Quran, 49:6,11-13) but also creates a more inclusive and supportive online environment. Equally important, however, is to speak the truth and to be with the truthful (Al-Qur’an, 9:119), even if it means to stand against an oppressor and suffer from it.
Holistic communication and the integrating of traditional wisdom with modern tools, are crucial for maintaining balance (mizan, ‘adl) in our digital interactions. The “two readings” approach, evident in surah Fussilat (41:53) and advocated by Shaikh Taha Al-Alwani, underscores the importance of combining textual knowledge and real life. This methodology fosters critical thinking and necessitates the verification of online information, ensuring that our consumption of digital information is thoughtful and informed. Balancing online engagement with strong in-person connections is also vital, as it helps preserve the integrity of traditional Islamic scholarship while embracing the benefits of modern advancements.
In the context of artificial intelligence (AI), these principles take on an even greater significance. AI technologies, with their capacity to influence our perceptions and communications, must be used responsibly to amplify beneficial knowledge and prevent the spread of misinformation. Applying the objectives of the Qur’an to our digital engagements ensures that AI serves as a tool for promoting what is good and beneficial and forbidding what is evil (Al-Qur’an, 3:104, 110, 114; 7:157; 9:71; 22:41).
Public policy on internet freedom and digital ethics is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of diverse opinions. Proponents of increased government control argue for the necessity of safeguarding citizens’ welfare, while advocates of unrestricted access highlight the benefits of innovation and free exchange of ideas. The Muslim community is in need of education on the ethics of communication and disagreement, starting from schools and universities to religious institutions.
Being the midmost nation (ummah waṣaṭa), Muslims must approach the issue of all technologies, digital or analogue, in a balanced and systematic manner. Rather than rejecting them outright based on conjecture, they should understand them first, carefully weighing all advantages and disadvantages, magnifying the advantages and reducing the harms as much as possible. Additionally, Muslim-majority countries must heavily invest in research and development in science and technology combined with studying the philosophy of science from an objectives-based qur’anic perspective to avoid being mere consumers of new technologies.
Imams and community leaders should incorporate the topics of contemporary phenomena into their khutbahs, writings, and media engagements, promoting ethical communication aligned with the moderate nature of Islam. By embedding these ethical principles in educational and religious discourse, it is possible to adopt a balanced and moderate approach to digital content creation and consumption.
Ultimately, the goal is to establish a harmonious digital environment that reflects the balanced nature of Islam. Understanding the important concepts, objectives, values, commands, universal laws, groups and proofs outlined in the Qur’an, offers a framework for achieving a balanced consumption and creation of digital content. By embracing a future-oriented, critical, and comprehensive approach, we can navigate the digital age with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that our online presence promotes the highest objectives of Islam.