Islamic Guidance for Facing the Dark Side of the Digital World

Have you ever felt anxious after staring at your phone screen all day? Or felt your privacy was violated when something you just discussed suddenly appeared in your social media suggestions? This is not a delusion. We are living in an era where personal data is spied upon and mental health is sacrificed for the sake of algorithms. The scientific journal Al-Muharrik, in a study titled ‘Islam and Technology: Ethical Challenges and Adaptation in the Digital Era’, dissects this phenomenon sharply. Islam, it turns out, does not remain silent in the face of this ‘dark side’ of digital technology. The religion has provided concrete guidance so that we do not simply drift into becoming victims of technology, but rather maintain moral control.

One of the biggest problems today is privacy and data security. Privacy is one of the most pressing ethical issues in digital technology. Our personal data is often automatically collected by technology companies without clear transparency for commercial interests. In extreme cases, algorithms are used discriminatorily to determine credit scores and even job recruitment. This raises major concerns about privacy violations and the potential misuse of data, which can lead to manipulation and unwanted influence on consumer behaviour. Data security is another ethical challenge closely related to privacy. With the increasing amount of data collected and stored, the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks also rises. Stolen or illegally accessed data can be used for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, and damage to an individual’s reputation. This reflects the need for stronger security systems and strict regulations to protect personal data and prevent misuse. Data security issues are also linked to the responsibility of technology companies in safeguarding user information. This is where Islam intervenes through the principle of Al-Amanah (responsibility and honesty). The study asserts that personal data and privacy are absolute property rights of every individual that must be protected. Misusing other people’s data without permission, spying on privacy (tajassus), and allowing data security systems to leak are clear violations of the concept of Amanah. Sharia corridors demand that digital corporations be transparent, honest, and responsible for every bit of user information they store.

Digital technology also brings significant social impacts, which often become ethical issues that need consideration. The social impact of technology includes changes in the way humans interact, the quality of social relationships, and effects on mental health. Technology that facilitates communication often reduces the quality of deep and meaningful interactions. Social media frequently creates an illusion of connectivity, while in reality, many people experience social isolation and loneliness. Interactions conducted online can also reduce face-to-face communication skills, which are important for healthy interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, excessive use of technology can negatively impact mental health, disrupting concentration and affecting cognitive abilities. The use of social media, for example, is often linked to stress and anxiety, especially when individuals compare themselves to others on the platform. These impacts demonstrate the need for a more balanced approach in using technology to maintain mental health and well-being. Islam teaches that technology must be used for the good and benefit of humanity without violating Sharia principles. One of the main principles in Islam is Al-’Adalah (justice), which demands fair and equal treatment of all individuals. In the context of digital technology, applying this principle means that technology must be used without discrimination and must promote equality. An example of applying the principle of justice can be seen in the development of non-discriminatory algorithms. Many technology companies are now striving to reduce bias in their algorithms, such as those used in job recruitment processes or credit assessments. Existing bias in these algorithms is often caused by unrepresentative historical data, resulting in unfair decisions. Efforts to correct this algorithmic bias are in line with the principle of justice in Islam, which emphasises fair treatment of every individual regardless of their background. Islam also strongly emphasises the importance of maintaining Akhlaq (ethics) and public welfare (Al-Maslaha). Technology should be used to improve the quality of life, not to damage mental health and sever the quality of interpersonal relationships in the real world. Using the internet wisely and in a balanced manner (tawasuth) is the main key so that we do not lose our sanity amidst the onslaught of cyber trends.

Cyberspace today has also become a fertile field for the spread of fake news, hate speech, and deepfake engineering. In response to this, a Fatwa issued by institutions such as Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta provides guidance on ethics in online communication, including the prohibition against spreading false news and hate speech. The fatwa emphasises the importance of verifying information (Tabayyun) before sharing it, in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an. Tabayyun is a powerful weapon to stem the tide of slander and ensure that the information ecosystem remains healthy and trustworthy.