ڈیجیٹل دور میں اسلاموفوبیا: سیرت النبی ﷺ کی روشنی میں اسلامی ابلاغی اخلاقیات کے ذریعے نفرت انگیز تقاریر کا مقابلہ

ISLAMOPHOBIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE: COUNTERING HATE SPEECH THROUGH THE PROPHETIC ETHICS OF ISLAMIC COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Islamophobia, defined as irrational fear, hatred, and prejudice toward Islam and Muslims, has intensified in the digital era due to the rapid expansion of online communication platforms. Social media networks, news portals, and other digital spaces often serve as amplifiers for hate speech, misinformation, and stereotyping, contributing to the normalization of anti-Muslim sentiment worldwide. This research examines Islamophobia in the digital age through the lens of Prophetic ethics of communication, derived from the Qur’ān and the Sunnah, and exemplified in the Sīrah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These ethics—truthfulness (ṣidq), justice (‘adl), respect (iḥtiram), and wisdom (ḥikmah)—are not only doctrinal principles but were consistently embodied in the Prophet’s ﷺ conduct, such as in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the events of Ṭaif, and the general amnesty at the Conquest of Makkah. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, combining thematic analysis of Qur’ānic injunctions and Prophetic precedents with content analysis of selected online hate speech cases. Expert interviews with scholars of Islamic studies and media communication further inform the analysis. The findings highlight that the Prophetic model of truthful discourse, respectful engagement, and constructive dialogue—when systematically applied—can serve as an effective strategy against online hate speech and disinformation. The research proposes a multi-level approach involving educational initiatives, improved content moderation policies, and the creation of constructive digital narratives inspired by the Sirah. By integrating Prophetic ethics into digital communication frameworks, Muslim communities, policymakers, and online platforms can work toward reducing Islamophobia, fostering interfaith understanding, and promoting a culture of respectful and informed dialogue in the digital public sphere.