Islamic perspectives on TikTok: Examining its position and relationship with the concept of hifz al-‘aql

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has catalyzed transformative changes in contemporary society, significantly influencing the domain of Islamic da‘wah. Among these platforms, TikTok has emerged as a prominent medium that reshapes traditional methods of religious dissemination through creative short-form video content. This study examines the position of TikTok within the framework of Maqasid al-Shariah, with a primary focus on Hifz al-‘Aql or the preservation of intellect. While the general ruling (hukm) concerning TikTok usage is originally permissible, the Office of the Mufti of the Federal Territory categorizes its application into three classifications: discouraged, prohibited, and permissible with encouragement, depending on its impact on the user's conduct and spiritual integrity. By analyzing TikTok’s distinctive features such as live-streaming and TikTok Shop, this research investigates how these elements can be effectively utilized to convey Islamic messages while mitigating potential risks to cognitive clarity. The discussion is grounded in the classification of Maqasid al-Shariah into al-daruriyyat, al-hajiyyat, and al-tahsiniyyat, as elucidated by Imam al-Ghazali, Dr. Ahmad al-Raysouni, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Tahir Ibn Ashur. Within this hierarchy, particular emphasis is placed on Hifz al-‘Aql, situated under al-daruriyyat, to analyze the correlation between digital consumption and intellectual preservation. The findings suggest that while TikTok fosters creativity and provides alternative learning spaces, it inherently poses potential risks such as exposure to misinformation and diminished attention spans which may adversely affect a user's cognitive well-being. Consequently, this study concludes that a discerning and responsible approach to TikTok is essential to ensure the platform serves as a tool for intellectual growth and religious outreach, ultimately upholding the principles of Hifz al-‘Aql in an evolving digital landscape.