Digital Transformation and the Ethics of Professional Responsibility: A Maqāṣid Al-Sharī‘Ah Perspective

Abstract

Digital transformation has reshaped the professional landscape through the increasing use of artificial intelligence, big data, and social media, while simultaneously generating ethical challenges, including technology misuse, privacy violations, and disinformation. This study aims to examine the role of professional codes of ethics in addressing digital ethical challenges through the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah. Employing a qualitative approach, the study combines a literature review with case analysis, including the scandal involving the Community Vocational Training Center (Balai Latihan Kerja Komunitas/BLKK) of the Islamic Scholars Association (PP) in Pekalongan City. The findings indicate that professional codes of ethics function not merely as normative instruments governing professional conduct but also as mechanisms for protecting public welfare in accordance with the objectives of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, particularly ḥifẓ al-‘aql (protection of intellect), ḥifẓ al-māl (protection of wealth), ḥifẓ al-‘irḍ (protection of dignity), and ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life). The implementation of professional codes of ethics through strengthened digital ethics literacy, professional oversight, and technology-responsive regulatory reform can prevent harm, enhance accountability, and sustain public trust. The findings of this study contribute to proposing the integration of professional codes of ethics with maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah as an adaptive ethical framework for strengthening professionalism in the digital era.