The Influence of Social Media on Marital Conflict: An Analytical Study Through the Lens of Maqasid Al-Shariah in Preserving Family Stability and Dignity

Social media has become a pervasive element of contemporary life, profoundly influencing daily communication and interpersonal dynamics. Platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok facilitate connectivity and introduce complex challenges to family institutions, particularly marital relationships. This study investigates the impact of social media usage on marital conflict through the lens of Maqasid al-Shariah, focusing on the preservation of family harmony (sakinah), protection of dignity (hifz al-‘ird), and safeguarding lineage (hifz al-nasl). Employing a qualitative content analysis of local scholarly literature, this research identifies key issues including social media addiction, jealousy arising from interactions with third parties, neglect of quality family time, and the public disclosure of private information. The findings reveal that unregulated social media engagement can disrupt effective communication, foster misunderstandings, and erode marital stability, thereby contravening the objectives of Islamic law designed to protect the family unit. The study underscores the imperative of cultivating awareness, self-regulation, and ethical digital conduct to uphold marital harmony in the digital age. These insights contribute to developing culturally sensitive strategies that harmonise modern technology use with Islamic principles for the sustainability of Muslim families.