No Bullying, No Sensationalism _Media Without Sorrows: Between Human Dignity and Maqasidic Thought_ By Captain Mohammed Hassan Al-Tahir

 

Date: October 6, 2025

 

Media stands as one of the most powerful tools of influence in society. Yet, when it loses its moral compass, it shifts from a beacon of enlightenment to a source of sorrow—feeding on sensationalism and violating privacy. This calls for a reconstruction of media on ethical and legitimate foundations, inspired by the spirit and methodology of Maqasidic (purpose-oriented) thought, to become a medium that elevates human dignity and serves the public good without compromising core principles.

 

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🕊️ _Media in Service of Dignity_

 

Maqasidic thought is not merely a jurisprudential theory—it is a civilizational vision that reinterprets Islamic texts in light of human dignity and social justice. When this thought is applied to media, it transforms it from a mere transmitter of news into a carrier of values.

 

– Maqasidic media _bridges the rights of God and the rights of people_, refusing to sacrifice divine law for journalistic exclusivity or neglect human dignity under the guise of free expression.

– It promotes _freedom of belief_, safeguards _regulated liberty_, and reinforces _equality_, turning media into a platform for justice rather than a tool for discrimination or defamation.

– It also considers the _consequences of publication_, ensuring that information is not released without evaluating its impact on individuals and society.

 

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⚖️ _Guidelines for Maqasidic Ijtihad: Protecting Media from Deviation_

 

To prevent Maqasidic media from becoming emotional or justificatory rhetoric, scholars have laid down precise guidelines for Maqasid-based reasoning:

 

– _No contradiction with definitive texts_: Media interests cannot justify violating established religious rulings.

– _Harmony with religious certainties_: Such as servitude to God and divine sovereignty—media must not promote ideas that undermine these foundations.

– _Reliance on legitimate public interest_: Not on personal whims or desires.

– _Adherence to the fixed objectives of Sharia_: Including the preservation of religion, life, intellect, wealth, and lineage.

 

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📺 _From Sensationalism to Reform_

 

To achieve media without sorrow, the entire media system must be rebuilt on a comprehensive Maqasidic framework:

 

1. _Define legitimate media objectives_:

– Dissemination of truth and justice

– Preservation of human dignity

– Promotion of public morality

– Protection of society from discord and misinformation

 

2. _Align media content with Maqasid_:

– Respecting personal honor in sensitive topics

– Preserving intellect in educational and entertainment programs

– Upholding religious values in theological and legal discussions

 

3. _Distinguish between media interest and Sharia-based interest_:

– Journalistic exclusivity does not justify invading privacy

– Sensationalism does not justify spreading discord or falsehoods

 

4. _Implement Maqasid-based self-regulation_:

– The journalist becomes a moral agent, accountable for the consequences of publication

 

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🔍 _Ethical Preference as a Charter of Honor: Maqasidic vs. Utilitarian Thought_

 

Though Maqasidic and utilitarian approaches may appear similar, their differences are fundamental:

 

– Maqasidic thought is safer, as it balances divine texts with public interest

– Utilitarian thought, if left unchecked, may be used to justify harmful outcomes or social unrest

 

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✨ _Conclusion: Toward Media That Heals, Not Hurts_

 

Maqasidic media is not a utopian dream—it is a civilizational and ethical necessity. When built upon the objectives of Sharia, media becomes a tool for reform, not provocation; a platform for dignity, not a stage for sorrow. Between the guidelines of reasoning and the objectives of human rights, media can reclaim its noble role in building—not breaking—the human spirit.

 

Has the time come to reshape our media into one without sorrow?