تصوف اور جدید ڈیجیٹل دور کے تقاضے: ایک عصری و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Sufism and the Demands of the Modern Digital Age: Analytical Study

Abstract

The digital age has transformed almost every dimension of human life, including communication, education, social interaction, entertainment, and the formation of personal identity. While digital technology has created unprecedented opportunities for knowledge and connectivity, it has also introduced serious moral and spiritual challenges, such as distraction, excessive consumption, self-display, misinformation, anger, comparison, and weakening of meaningful human relationships. This article examines the relevance of Sufism in responding to these challenges. It argues that Sufism does not require withdrawal from technology; rather, it seeks to discipline the human self and establish a morally responsible relationship with the tools of modern life. Concepts such as tazkiyat al-nafs, muraqabah, muhasabah, dhikr, ikhlas, zuhd, sabr, qana‘ah, and ihsan provide a valuable ethical and spiritual framework for contemporary digital conduct. The study further explores how these concepts may help Muslims deal with social media addiction, digital self-presentation, information disorder, online hostility, consumerism, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The study concludes that the real challenge of the digital age is not technology itself but the manner in which human desires, attention, and moral judgment are shaped by it. Sufi spirituality can therefore contribute to a balanced digital culture by strengthening inner discipline alongside external rules and technological safeguards.