Unpacking Consent in the Digital Age: A Review of Abdullah Saeed's Hermeneutics and Habermas's Communicative Action Theory on Online Standard-Form Contracts

Ainul Yaqin; Eva Mir'atun Niswah; Supriyanto

doi:10.53639/ijssr.v7i1.381

Authors

Ainul Yaqin Universitas Islam Negeri Profesor Kiai Haji Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto
Eva Mir'atun Niswah Universitas Islam Negeri Profesor Kiai Haji Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto
Supriyanto Universitas Islam Negeri Profesor Kiai Haji Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53639/ijssr.v7i1.381

Keywords:

Digital Contracts, Mutual Consent, Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah, Substantive Justice, Communicative Action

Abstract

The digital revolution has completely changed how we transact, making standard-form contracts like "terms and conditions" a common part of our lives. This article examines a crucial question: is the 'one-click' consent we give truly based on genuine willingness ('an tarāḍin), considering that users are in a much weaker position and often lack complete information? Recognizing that rigid, traditional Islamic legal (fiqh) perspectives are insufficient to address this challenge, this research employs two new approaches. First, it uses Abdullah Saeed's theory to look beyond mere written rules to uncover the substantive justice that is the core objective of Sharia (maqāṣid al-sharī'ah). Second, Jürgen Habermas's theory is applied to deconstruct how digital contracts often operate unilaterally, leaving no room for fair dialogue. Drawing on a case study of several Sharia-based digital applications in Indonesia, this article argues that consent in the digital age is no longer merely about the absence of physical coercion. More importantly, true willingness demands real justice and an agreement process that is transparent, equal, and free from domination by any party. In conclusion, this article offers concrete recommendations for digital platforms, regulators, and fatwa institutions on how to design contracts that are more ethical, fair, and truly in line with the spirit of Sharia.

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