Epistemological Reconstruction Fiqh Al-Fann (Fiqh Seni) Formulation of Ethics and Laws of Islamic Arts in the Digital Era
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Abstract
Background. The transformation of art in the digital era has raised epistemological and normative problems in Islamic law, especially related to the aesthetic limits, creative expression, and moral legitimacy of digital technology-based artworks, such as electronic music, virtual visual art, and AI-generated art.
Aims. This research aims to reconstruct the epistemology of Fiqh al-fann (art fiqh) in order to be able to answer the ethical and legal challenges of Islamic art in a contemporary context.
Methods. This research uses a qualitative-descriptive method with a normative analysis approach and Islamic legal hermeneutics, involving a literature review of classical works (turats fiqhiyyah), contemporary fatwas, and a comparative study of modern scholars' thinking on art and digital media. In addition, this study utilizes the maqashid sharia approach as an analytical framework to assess the value of beauty (jamal), benefit (maslahah), and purity of intention (niyyah) in modern works of art.
Result. The results of the study show that the epistemology of Fiqh al-fann needs to be reconstructed from the paradigm of taḥrīmī (prohibition) to the paradigm of tahdzībī (guidance and creative ethics).
Conclusion. The main findings confirm that art in Islam cannot be reduced solely to halal-haram law, but must be placed in the context of maqashid that balances spiritual, aesthetic, and social values. Thus, the reformulated Fiqh al-fann can serve as a model of Islamic legal ethics that is adaptive to technology, as well as an epistemological foundation for the development of Islamic aesthetics in the digital era.
Implication. This research has implications for strengthening the Islamic legal framework that is more responsive to cultural and technological changes, as well as opening up space for Muslim artists to create ethically within the corridor of monotheism and the public benefit.
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