Ethical Framework for the use of Contemporary Media: A Conceptual Approach Based on Shariah Principles

In the rapidly evolving digital era, the use of media among Muslim communities has become increasingly widespread. However, easy access to various forms of media poses ethical challenges, particularly in ensuring that the content shared and received aligns with Islamic principles. This study aims to explore the concept of media ethics from an Islamic perspective, grounded in Shariah principles such as maqasid al-shariah, hisbah, and adab in communication. Employing a qualitative conceptual approach, this study analyses Islamic ethical principles related to media usage, referring to primary sources such as the Qur’an and hadith, as well as the views of modern Islamic scholars. In addition, ethical communication theories are applied to compare Islamic values with secular approaches to media ethics. The findings indicate that media usage among Muslims should be guided by principles of truth, social responsibility, and justice to prevent the spread of false information and slander. The study emphasizes the importance of media literacy based on Islamic ethics as a mechanism to address digital challenges. Therefore, this research holds important implications for policymakers, educators, and media users in shaping a media-literate and responsible society.