INTEGRATING THE METAVERSE INTO QURANIC STUDIES (INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES)

Abstract

An exciting new area of education is presented by the fusion of traditional religious scholarship with cutting-edge digital technologies. This study looks at how Quranic Studies can use the Metaverse, a collective virtual shared space that combines virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies. By providing immersive, interactive experiences that improve comprehension, retention, and engagement with the sacred text, the study seeks to explore how these technologies can revolutionise Quranic education. The study's main research questions centre on the novel possibilities and difficulties that come with incorporating the Metaverse into Quranic teaching. On the one hand, by offering students worldwide collaborative environments, the spetialization of theological concepts, and virtual reconstructions of historical contexts, the Metaverse presents revolutionary possibilities for Quranic education. By removing boundaries of time, location, and cultural background, these innovations have the potential to democratize access to Quranic education. However, there are serious questions regarding the protection of Islamic teachings, authenticity, and scholarly integrity brought up by this technological integration. The study will discuss the ethical ramifications of digitizing religious content, such as the difficulties in preserving religious sanctity and interpretative accuracy in virtual settings. The study will also look into the social, cultural, and technological obstacles preventing the broad use of Metaverse-based teaching resources in Islamic classrooms. To create a conceptual framework for the moral application of Metaverse technologies in Quranic Studies, this study will combine Islamic scholarship, educational theory, and technological innovation using an interdisciplinary approach. When negotiating the nexus between religious education and new digital technologies, educators, legislators, and academics will use this framework as a guide. The results of this study will advance practical methods for incorporating immersive learning technologies into Quranic scholarship as well as the scholarly conversation on digital education in religious studies.