The Prophetic Sunnah and the Challenges of the Age:
Confronting Technology and Its Effects on Social and Psychological Security
Dr. Muhammad Shah Faisal, Dr. Qammar Aziz, Hazrat Sohaib, Khursheed Ahmad, Mehfooz Hassan, Muhammad Adnan, Mehtab Anwer, Muhammad Ahmad, Abdul Karim, Mohsin Liaqat
Affiliations: Alhamd Islamic University (Islamabad), Qurtaba University, International Islamic University Islamabad, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad (Pakistan)
Abstract
The modern technological age has significantly altered social and psychological dynamics, particularly within Muslim communities. Excessive virtual communication has led to social isolation, while digital addiction and social media comparisons have contributed to rising anxiety and depression. Moreover, breaches of privacy and misuse of personal data have fostered a widespread sense of insecurity.
This study explores the Prophetic Sunnah as a holistic and enduring source of guidance for addressing these challenges. Using analytical and inductive methods, Prophetic teachings on human behavior and social ethics are examined in light of contemporary technological disruptions. The findings demonstrate that the Sunnah provides principles for restoring balance, integrity, and psychological security in digital life.
Keywords: Digital technology; Prophetic Sunnah; psychological security; Islamic ethics; misinformation
1. Introduction
The twenty-first century has witnessed unprecedented technological advancement that has transformed social interaction, communication, and psychological well-being. While technology offers immense benefits, it has also introduced complex social and mental health challenges, particularly within Muslim societies where ethical conduct and community cohesion are foundational values.
2. Digital Technology and Psychological & Social Challenges
Digital overexposure has resulted in social isolation, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and privacy violations. Excessive reliance on virtual communication weakens family bonds and reduces meaningful face-to-face interaction, undermining psychological security and social harmony.
3. Psychological and Social Security in Islamic Sharia
Islamic Sharia emphasizes holistic well-being through the preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah). Psychological tranquility (nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah) is nurtured through spiritual devotion, ethical conduct, and strong social bonds.
4. Prophetic Guidance on Human Interaction
The Sunnah emphasizes maintaining family ties, community gatherings, and greeting others with peace (as-salāmu ʿalaykum). These practices foster empathy, trust, and social cohesion, countering the isolation caused by excessive digital engagement.
5. Moderation, Digital Discipline, and Ethical Communication
Prophetic teachings stress moderation (wasatiyyah), self-discipline, and purposeful time use. The Sunnah condemns lying, backbiting, spying, and intimidation—behaviors that directly relate to modern issues such as fake news and cyberbullying. Verification, truthfulness, and respect are emphasized as ethical safeguards.
6. Taqwa and Inner Moral Surveillance
Taqwa (God-consciousness) functions as an internal ethical regulator that promotes self-awareness and moral accountability. It enables individuals to resist harmful digital temptations and maintain psychological balance without reliance on external enforcement.
7. Educational and Familial Roles in the Digital Age
Families and educational institutions play a central role in transmitting Prophetic values. Islamic education grounded in Sunnah-based ethics equips individuals with digital literacy, critical thinking, and moral responsibility necessary for ethical technological engagement.
8. Conclusion
The Prophetic Sunnah offers a timeless ethical and spiritual framework capable of addressing contemporary technological challenges. By integrating Sunnah-based values with modern digital life, Muslim societies can restore psychological security, social harmony, and ethical resilience.
References
All references follow international academic standards and are presented as listed in the published article.