The Role of Spirituality in Shaping Muslim Family Resilience Amidst the Digital Identity Crisis An Analysis of Maqasid Shariah

Abstract

The digital era has generated a complex phenomenon known as the digital identity crisis, particularly among young Muslims. This crisis is characterized by behavioral inconsistency between offline and online contexts and value uncertainty resulting from exposure to digital ideologies that often contradict Islamic beliefs. This study aims to analyze the role of Muslim family spirituality as a resilience framework in addressing the digital identity crisis, while providing normative justification through the lens of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah. Employing a qualitative Syariah–Psychospiritual approach, the research explores subjective family experiences through in-depth interviews with parents, adolescents, and family counselors. Findings reveal that family spirituality plays three central roles: (1) as a core belief system safeguarding Hifẓ al-Dīn, by affirming religious identity amidst digital influences; (2) as an emotional regulation mechanism protecting Hifẓ al-Nafs, by helping family members manage anxiety, depression, and digital pressures through collective worship practices such as prayer and remembrance (dhikr); and (3) as a communication enhancer ensuring Hifẓ al-Nasl, by creating safe spaces for dialogue through shared Qur’an recitation and family religious gatherings. Normatively, strengthening family spirituality is strongly justified within the framework of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah as a contemporary implementation of the obligation to preserve religion and lineage against the destructive impacts of the digital environment. The study concludes that Muslim family resilience is rooted in spirituality that is internalized and practiced collectively. Future research is recommended to develop measurable family spirituality intervention models to enhance digital resilience