Does Islam Protect Digital Privacy? An Islamic Studies Approach to Personal Data Protection

Abstract

This study aims to analyze personal data protection from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing the concept of Ḥifẓ al-’Irḍi and its relevance in addressing digital security challenges. In the digital era, the widespread occurrence of personal data breaches poses a serious threat to individual privacy. Islam emphasizes the importance of safeguarding privacy as part of Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah, which seeks to protect human dignity and honor. This research employs a descriptive-qualitative method with a sociological-juridical and ushul fiqh approach. A library research method is applied to examine Islamic legal sources, including the Qur’an, Hadith, and relevant personal data protection regulations. A content analysis technique is utilized to explore how the principle of Ḥifẓ al-’Irḍi can be implemented in the context of digital data protection. The findings indicate that Islam regards personal data protection as part of Ḥifẓ al-’Irḍi, which not only shields individuals from information exploitation but also prevents defamation and data misuse that could disrupt social order. However, Islamic law lacks specific regulations regarding digital data protection, necessitating reinterpretation and adaptation to technological advancements. The sociological-juridical approach offers a solution by integrating strict legal regulations with social awareness based on Islamic values, ensuring that digital literacy rooted in Islamic ethics aligns with state regulations. Therefore, this study recommends harmonizing Islamic law with modern regulations to establish an effective and Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah-based framework for data protection.