Cyberbullying and Online Ethics: An Islamic Response

Abstract

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive threat to psychological health and social well-being. This exploratory study examines the causes and consequences of online harassment through an Islamic ethical framework, focusing on how religious moral values can mitigate digital harm. Grounded in core Islamic principles such as Akhlaq (virtuous character), Adab (proper manners), Amanah (trust and responsibility), and Hurmah (the sanctity of human dignity), the paper analyzes the contradiction between Islamic teachings and negative online behavior. Utilizing a quantitative survey administered to a pilot sample of 33 students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the research evaluates direct exposure to cyberbullying, witness rates, and awareness of religious ethical restraints. The empirical findings reveal a high awareness of Islamic ethics among respondents (78.8%) alongside widespread exposure to cyberbullying (over 93%), indicating a notable gap between ethical knowledge and online practice. Furthermore, participants identified faith-based reminders and moral education as the most effective countermeasures against digital harassment. The paper concludes by outlining practical digital citizenship guidelines aligned with Islamic values to foster a safer, more respectful, and morally accountable online community.