Negotiating Ethics in Digital Communication: WhatsApp and Maqasid al-Shariah.

This study offers a narrative review examining the use of WhatsApp through the lens of Maqasid al-Shariah (the objectives of Islamic law), thereby contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on digital culture, ethics, and social practices. The five objectives--preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property are traditionally rooted in Islamic jurisprudence but here are applied to the contemporary context of social media use. By analyzing how reliance on WhatsApp may support or challenge these objectives, the paper situates Islamic ethical frameworks within broader cultural studies debates on the social and moral implications of communication technologies. The review highlights concerns around excessive and uncritical use of WhatsApp, including risks to intellectual integrity, family cohesion, and personal wellbeing, while also acknowledging its role in sustaining community, religious practice, and social connectivity. Drawing on prior studies and media reports, the paper argues that Maqasid al-Shariah can serve as a culturally grounded ethical compass for navigating the complexities of digital life. It concludes by calling for further empirical and comparative research to deepen understanding of how Islamic values and global digital cultures intersect in shaping everyday practices of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]