Digital media, Islamic interpretation and gender justice in Indonesian Muslim households: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study aims to investigate how the digitization of Islamic interpretation through digital media influences gender justice discourse in Indonesian Muslim households. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 21 empirical studies (2020–2025) was conducted using the PRISMA 2020. A socio-ecological framework was used to synthesize findings across structural, interpersonal and individual levels. Findings Three dynamics emerged: democratization of interpretive authority that challenges but also fragments traditional legitimacy; contestation of progressive and conservative narratives in digital publics, where platform logics amplify both egalitarian and patriarchal voices; and renegotiation of household gender roles, with partial shifts in decision-making and domestic labor shaped by digital literacy, cultural norms and community support. Research limitations/implications Most of the studies analyzed were cross-sectional and qualitative, so they were not able to capture the long-term impact of digital interpretation on household practices. In addition, the role of social media algorithms in determining the visibility of progressive and conservative interpretations has not been widely studied, while the research context is still focused on urban communities with little attention to rural areas, eastern Indonesia and groups with limited digital access. Male perspectives are also relatively rarely explored. Practical implications Practically, the results emphasize the urgency of gender-sensitive digital-religious literacy, ethical frameworks for online daʿwah and multi-stakeholder collaboration between policymakers, religious authorities and technology platforms. In this sense, digitization is not merely a technical shift but a normative and ethical frontier, where the pursuit of gender justice depends on how societies govern and engage with digital platforms as part of the broader ICT ecosystem. Social implications The findings show that digital platforms create contested spaces where gender equality is both promoted and resisted. This has direct implications for family life in Muslim societies: online egalitarian interpretations can empower women and support shared decision-making, but conservative narratives may reinforce patriarchal norms. Strengthening gender-sensitive digital literacy, promoting ethical governance of online religious content and fostering collaboration among policymakers, religious leaders and technology platforms are essential to ensure that digital media becomes a driver of inclusive and equitable social change. Originality/value The study situates digital religion within ICT ethics, highlighting opportunities and risks for gender justice and underscoring the need for gender-sensitive digital literacy and ethical governance of online religious content.