Islamic guidelines for content creators: A jurisprudential framework

Mustafa Mat Jubri Shamsuddin; Mohd Fuad Md Sawari; Fatimah Karim

doi:10.33102/uij.vol37no03.720

Authors

Mustafa Mat Jubri Shamsuddin Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, Abdul Hamid Abusulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science, International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6743-0791
Mohd Fuad Md Sawari Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, Abdul Hamid Abusulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science, International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7798-670X
Fatimah Karim Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, Abdul Hamid Abusulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science, International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3384-5144

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.vol37no03.720

Keywords:

Digital Content Creation, Islamic Jurisprudence, Maqasid al-Shariah, Muslim Content Creators, Shariah Compliance

Abstract

The absence of comprehensive Islamic guidelines for digital content creation presents critical challenges for Muslim content creators navigating rapidly evolving digital landscapes. Millions of Muslims engaging in content creation face uncertainty regarding content permissibility, monetization methods, and platform engagement strategies within Islamic legal frameworks. This study employed a systematic dual-stream literature review methodology, collecting data from contemporary fatwas and official guidelines from recognized Islamic authorities including Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia and regional Mufti departments, alongside social studies literature on content creator behavior and platform dynamics. Data underwent integrated jurisprudential-empirical analysis using traditional Usul al-Fiqh principles, contemporary social science techniques, and established communication theories including Uses and Gratifications Theory and Cultivation Theory. The research developed a comprehensive Islamic jurisprudential framework grounded in four fundamental principles: Tawhid (Unity of God), Amanah (Trust), Adl (Justice), and Hikmah (Wisdom). Results reveal significant consensus among Islamic authorities regarding content permissibility and demonstrate alignment between empirical findings and Islamic ethical principles. Communication theory analysis shows how Islamic principles enhance established frameworks like AIDA while providing ethical constraints for audience engagement strategies. Platform-specific guidelines were developed for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, while adaptive mechanisms grounded in Maqasid al-Shariah provide foundations for evaluating future technologies. The framework transforms content creation from commercial activity into worship and community service, offering practical guidance while maintaining theological integrity.

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