The Relevance of Al-Ghazali's Thought to the Challenges of Digital Ethics in the Millennial Era

Azzahra Mareta; Courtois Lorenzo

Authors

Azzahra Mareta Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus Batusangkar Author
Courtois Lorenzo The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Author

Keywords:

Al-Ghazali, Digital Ethics, Islamic Morality, Millennial Era, Technological Spirituality

Abstract

The development of digital technology has had a profound impact on various aspects of life, including moral and ethical dimensions. In the millennial era, the younger generation is confronted with the complexities of the digital world, which gives rise to numerous ethical challenges such as the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, privacy violations, and digital hedonism. This article aims to examine the relevance of Imam Al-Ghazali’s ethical thought in addressing contemporary digital ethical challenges. The research method employed is a literature review using a qualitative hermeneutic approach, analyzing Al-Ghazali’s major works such as Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, Mizan al-‘Amal, and Kimiyā’ al-Sa‘ādah, and linking them to current digital ethical phenomena. The findings reveal that Al-Ghazali’s ethical principles—such as self-restraint, introspection (muhasabah), and the importance of intention and sincerity—remain highly relevant as a moral foundation for the use of technology. The conclusion of this study affirms that Al-Ghazali's thought can serve as a reference for shaping digital ethics rooted in spirituality and moral responsibility, thus guiding the millennial generation to engage in digital life with civility and accountability.

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