Countering Extremist Rhetoric: An Islamic Approach to Civility in the Digital Age
Abstract
This article explores an Islamic theological approach to navigating social media and digital communication. It highlights that, while instantaneous global communication possesses the power to cause immense societal harm or foster community solidarity, Islam views technology as inherently neutral. The ethical value of any technological tool is determined entirely by whether it is used for the betterment or destruction of humanity. Drawing from the Qur’an and hadith, the article emphasises the vital concepts of husn al-khuluq (beautiful manners) and al-kalim al-tayyib (good words), framing digital communication not merely as casual interaction, but as a highly accountable moral act. To bridge classical theology with modern platforms, the writings of 20th century Islamic scholar Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, whose teachings include the mass reach of radio, are presented as a direct analogue to today’s social media landscape. Nursi’s framework demonstrates how digital platforms multiply the spiritual weight of our words, exponentially increasing the burden of sins like slander and backbiting, as well as the rewards for positive, truthful speech. Ultimately, the article concludes that maintaining civility online is not just about politeness; it is a “cosmic duty” to align human interactions with universal harmony
Keywords
Islamic theology and technology, social media ethics, digital civility, husn al-khuluq (beautiful manners) al-kalim al-tayyib (good words)
References
- Abu Dawud, Sulaiman bin al-Ash’ath al-Azdi al-Sijistani. Al-Sunan. Edited by Muhammad ‘Awwama. 4 vols. Mu’assasat al-Rayyan, 1998.
- Al-Bukhari, Abu ‘Abdillah Muhammad bin Isma’il. Sahih al-Bukhari. Edited by Mustafa Dayb al-Bugha. Dar Ibn Kathir, 1990.
- Ibn Majah, Abu ‘Abdillah Muhammad bin Yazid al-Qazwini. Al-Sunan. Edited by Muhammad Fu’ad ‘Abd al-Baqi. Dar Ihya’ al-Turath al-Arabi, 1975.
- Kamali, Mohammad Hashim. The Parameters of Halal and Haram in Shari'ah and the Halal Industry. International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2013.
- Muslim bin al-Hajjaj, Abu al-Husain al-Qushayri al-Nisaburi. Sahih Muslim. Edited by Muhammad Fu’ad ‘Abd al-Baqi. Al-Maktabat al-Islamiyya, n.d.
- Nursi, Said. “Emirdag Lahikasi” [Emirdag Appendix]. In Risale-i Nur Kulliyati, 1679-1950. Nesil Yayinlari, 1996.
- Nursi, Said. “Kastamonu Lahikasi” [Kastamonu Appendix]. In Risale-i Nur Kulliyati, 1571-1676. Nesil Yayinlari, 1996.
- Nursi, Said. The Damascus Sermon. Translated by Sukran Vahide. Sözler Publications, 1989.
- Nursi, Said. The Letters. Translated by Sukran Vahide. Sözler Neșriyat, 1997.
- Nursi, Said. The Rays. Translated by Sukran Vahide. Sözler Neșriyat, 1997.
- Nursi, Said. The Words. Translated by Sukran Vahide. Sözler Neșriyat, 1997.
- Saritoprak, Zeki. Islamic Spirituality: Faith and Practice for the Modern World. Bloomsbury Academic, 2018.
- Al-Tirmidhi, Abu ‘Isa Muhammad bin ‘Isa bin Sawra. Jami’ al-Tirmidhi. Edited by Ibrahim ‘Atwa ‘Awad. Maktabat Mustafa al-Babi al-Halabi, 1975.