Modern Technologies and Their Impact on Guiding Visual Communication in Parent–Child Relationships: An Islamic Law (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah) Perspective

With the widespread use of modern technologies—particularly smartphones, computers, and television—visual communication within Muslim families, especially between parents and children, has noticeably declined. This study examines the impact of these technologies on authentic eye contact between parents and children of various age groups, from the parents’ perspective. Examples of this decline include family members focusing on devices rather than maintaining eye contact during conversations, thereby weakening emotional and educational influence. This is the first study to explore the link between technology use and the sense of sight from an Islamic legal (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah) perspective. A sample of 450 Muslim families from Anbar Governorate, Iraq, was selected. Using a descriptive-analytical and inductive approach, data were collected through an electronic questionnaire, then analyzed. Results indicate that contemporary technologies have contributed to a 74% reduction in visual communication among participants. The study recommends enhancing educational and religious awareness to regulate technology use in the home, alongside implementing alternatives to revive authentic eye contact—such as scheduling daily screen-free periods, particularly during family gatherings and meals.