Ethical Implications of Fake News: A Meta-Analysis Through The Lens of Islamic Teachings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/jcicom.vol3no2.106Keywords:
Fake news, Ethics, Islamic perspectives, Meta AnalysisAbstract
The consequences of spreading fake news posess significant challenges to individuals, communities, and societies that could harm many aspects of lives. While the consequences of such news have been extensively studied, Islam offers an ethical framework provided in its teachings that offers unique insights that encourage deeper exploration. This study conducts a meta-analysis to examine the consequences of fake news through the lens of Islamic ethical principles supported with Quranic verses and hadiths. The findings revealed five key themes; (1) truthfulness, (2) harm and mischief, (3), reputation and image, (4) reputation and image, and (5) life in the Hereafter. Islam emphasizes the importance of truthfulness (sidq) that information received needs to be verified before spreading to others. Fake news is potential to harm or mischief (fasad) the social harmony of a society that could lead to violence. The prohibition of backbiting, slander and such actions could tarnish individuals or groups’ reputation and image which might end up in tragedies. Islam too underscores the grave sin of lying that could lead to erosion of trust, weakens the social and moral in a society. Finally, the consequence will last to the life in the Hereafter that will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment, with severe consequences of spreading fake news.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Dr. Norhayati Rafida, A. R.
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