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Digital Adab: transposing classical Adab to the digital age

Muhammad, Muhd. Rosydi (2026) Digital Adab: transposing classical Adab to the digital age. KICT Newsletter: SPECTRUM, July 2026 (5). pp. 7-12. E-ISSN 3083-9904

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Abstract

The pervasive integration of digital technologies into everyday life has introduced complex ethical challenges concerning communication, privacy, boundaries, self-presentation, and responsible engagement. This article examines the concept of digital adab as an Islamic ethical framework for navigating these challenges by transposing the principles of classical adab into contemporary digital environments. It argues that the distinctive characteristics of digital spaces—including anonymity, persistence, scalability, and algorithmic mediation—do not diminish moral accountability but necessitate a more deliberate application of ethical principles. Drawing upon selected Qur’anic injunctions, particularly those concerning permission, privacy, respect for boundaries, lowering the gaze, and haya’ (modesty), the article demonstrates their applicability to contemporary digital practices, including unsolicited communication, online surveillance, oversharing, algorithmically driven content consumption, and curated self-presentation. The article further proposes a four-dimensional practice model comprising reflection, purification, boundary-setting, and consistency. It concludes that digital adab provides a principled framework for cultivating ethically responsible digital conduct grounded in moral consciousness, self-restraint, and accountability before Allah.

Item Type: Article (Bulletin)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Digital Adab; Islamic Ethics; Digital Ethics; Qur’anic Ethics; Digital Behaviour
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1188 Religious ethics
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1518 Individual ethics. Character. Virtue
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP190.5 Islamization of Knowledge
BPC Science and Technology in Islam
T Technology > T Technology (General) > T173.5 Technology and Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System
Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System

Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
Depositing User: Muhd Rosydi Muhammad
Date Deposited: 11 Aug 2026 08:35
Last Update: 11 Aug 2026 08:35
Queue Number: 2026-08-Q4642
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130673

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