Abstract
The advancement of digital communication has generated a range of ethical challenges, including cyberbullying, insults, negative labeling, the dissemination of unverified information, privacy violations, digital ghibah (backbiting), polarization, and discrimination. These challenges call for an ethical framework that is not merely technical in nature but is also firmly grounded in Islamic values. This study aims to reconstruct a Qur’an-based digital communication ethics framework through a thematic analysis of Qur’anic interpretation of QS. Al-Hujurat verses 11–13 and to examine its relevance to strengthening character education. This qualitative study employs a library research approach using thematic Qur’anic interpretation, content analysis, and contextual analysis of the Qur’an, classical and contemporary exegetical works, as well as scholarly literature on digital communication and character education. The findings reveal that QS. Al-Hujurat verses 11–13 embody eight ethical principles that can be reconstructed within the context of digital communication: Dignity Protection, Respectful Communication, No Negative Labeling, Critical Verification, Privacy Protection, Responsible Speech, Inclusive Interaction, and Digital Equality. These eight principles are synthesized into the Qur’anic Digital Communication Ethics Framework (QDCEF), which comprises three overarching dimensions: Dignity, Responsibility, and Inclusion. The framework is further mapped onto the character values of respect, empathy, civility, tolerance, critical thinking, objectivity, trustworthiness, responsibility, integrity, justice, and self-control. These findings affirm that QS. Al-Hujurat verses 11–13 are relevant not only as a source of moral and character education but also as a conceptual foundation for reconstructing a digital communication ethics framework that bridges Qur’anic values with the demands of character education in the digital era. The proposed QDCEF thus offers a value-based conceptual framework for fostering ethical, responsible, inclusive, and character-oriented digital communication.
