News Science

News Science

The Ethical Obligations of Media in the Teleological Ethical System of Islam through the Hermeneutic Interrogation (Istinṭāq) of Quranic Verses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Haji Jafari 1
Amir Khavas 2
1 Corresponding Author, Ph.D. Candidate, Philosophy of Law, Bagheral Uloom University, Qom. E-mail: alihajijafari110@gmail.com
2 Associate Professor of the Department of Theology and Philosophy of Religion and a faculty member at the Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute. E-mail: khavas@iki.ac.ir
10.22034/lrsi.2025.476236.1241
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the ethical responsibilities of media institutions through the lens of Islamic teleological ethics, drawing upon the Qur’an and other foundational Islamic texts. In an era where media exerts significant influence on public perception, cultural norms, and collective behavior, there is a pressing need for a normative framework to guide media practices. Islamic ethics—particularly its teleological dimension—underscores the ultimate purpose of human life as spiritual development and the pursuit of eternal felicity. Accordingly, the role of media should extend beyond the mere transmission of information to encompass moral and social responsibility. This research aims to construct an Islamic ethical paradigm for media conduct that integrates truthfulness, social accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Method: This qualitative study employs a descriptive-analytical approach, combined with content analysis of primary Islamic sources. Data collection involved a comprehensive review of Qur’anic verses, Prophetic traditions (ḥadīth), classical exegeses, and scholarly works on Islamic moral philosophy. Ethical principles relevant to media practice—such as truthfulness, justice, privacy, and public welfare—were identified and interpreted from a teleological perspective. The study seeks to develop a value-based framework that reflects both the spiritual objectives of Islam and the complexities of contemporary media environments.
Results: The findings indicate that Islamic ethics encompasses both deontological and teleological dimensions, offering a multifaceted perspective on media responsibilities. From this standpoint, media institutions are expected to uphold values such as honesty (al-ṣidq), fairness (al-ʿadl), and respect for individual privacy. Qur’anic injunctions—including “Do not mix the truth with falsehood” (Qur’an 2:42), “Do not spy” (Qur’an 49:12), and “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge” (Qur’an 17:36)—provide foundational guidelines that prohibit misinformation, protect personal boundaries, and mandate accuracy in reporting.
The study also identifies structural and ethical challenges, including tensions between commercial incentives and moral obligations, the increasing prevalence of sensationalism, and the ethical conflict between freedom of expression and the duty to preserve social harmony. In crisis situations, for instance, the uncontrolled dissemination of information may inadvertently provoke social unrest or public confusion—outcomes inconsistent with the ethical aims of Islam.
Conclusions: Islamic teleological ethics offers a purpose-driven framework for guiding media conduct, integrating both moral duties and the pursuit of higher objectives such as truth, justice, and social well-being. This perspective recognizes that media are not neutral conveyors of information but influential agents in shaping public values and societal cohesion.
The findings suggest that media should adhere to principles such as honesty, fairness, respect for privacy, and accountability for social impact. Within Islamic ethics, these principles are not merely procedural norms but are grounded in the ultimate goal of human moral and spiritual development.
To operationalize this framework, several key strategies are proposed:
1. Development of ethical guidelines informed by Qur’anic teachings to address contemporary media challenges.
2. Integration of ethics education into media professional training to enhance awareness and accountability.
3. Establishment of independent oversight bodies, grounded in Islamic values, to monitor content and promote responsible practices.
4. Implementation of recognition systems to incentivize ethical commitment within the media sector.
By aligning media practices with Islamic teleological ethics, societies can foster greater public trust, reduce the prevalence of harmful content, and promote communication that upholds both individual dignity and collective moral growth. This integration holds the potential to cultivate a more ethically conscious media landscape—one that contributes positively to both worldly stability and spiritual aspirations.
Keywords
Media
Ethical Obligations
Quran
 
 
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