By Nur Bakri Abd Hamid
Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, OUM
The modern world is experiencing rapid advancements in digital technologies, which are transforming every aspect of life, including education. Islamic Studies, enriched by centuries of tradition, faces unique challenges and opportunities in this digital era. This article examines how Islamic Studies can embrace digital tools to create a seamless connection between its rich heritage and contemporary possibilities.
Advantages of Digital Technologies in Islamic Studies
Digital technologies have revolutionised access
to Islamic Studies, enabling students to study
Islamic narratives, histories, cultures, and texts
through online courses and platforms anytime,
anywhere. Furthermore, these technologies play
a vital role in preserving and promoting Islamic
heritage (thaqafah al-Islamiyyah). Video lessons,
virtual tours of historical landmarks, and interactive
multimedia materials help share the richness of
Islamic culture with a global audience, cultivating
greater understanding and appreciation.
As technology evolves, curricula and teaching
methods in Islamic Studies must be adapted to
meet the needs of digital learners. This can be
achieved by integrating traditional knowledge
with contemporary subjects such as science,
technology, and social sciences, and adopting
an interdisciplinary approach to address modern
challenges. Technology, including e-learning
platforms, multimedia tools, and gamified content,
can enhance accessibility and engagement,
particularly for younger learners. Student-centred
methods such as critical thinking, discussions, and
case studies should replace rote memorisation
to promote deeper understanding and problemsolving
abilities. Interactive lessons, online
assessments, and engaging multimedia content
can further create a dynamic and effective
learning environment. Finally, teaching the ethical
application of Islamic values like justice and
compassion alongside leadership and practical life
skills equips students to apply their faith in today’s
context.
As technology evolves, curricula and teaching methods in Islamic Studies must be adapted to meet the needs of digital learners.
To stay effective, Islamic Studies must
address global challenges such as environmental
sustainability, combat misinformation and
Islamophobia, and promote inclusivity and open
dialogue within Islamic scholarship. Educators
need training in modern teaching methods and
digital tools to integrate traditional teachings
and learning with contemporary approaches.
Emphasising lifelong learning through initiatives
like the Professional Certificate in Islamic Studies
programme offered at OUM will help learners
develop the flexibility to navigate a rapidly evolving
world, enabling them to stay rooted in their faith
and contribute meaningfully to society. As part of
this adaptation, both educators and students must
develop strong digital literacy skills to make the
most of these tools. Mastery of online resources,
critical thinking, and secure data practices
have become essential for navigating modern
educational spaces safely and effectively.
Yet, while digital educational platforms offer
immense potential, they also introduce challenges
that must be addressed. Concerns such as data
security and the misuse of digital platforms for
spreading harmful ideologies require thoughtful
regulation and oversight. At the same time, digital
technologies open doors for global collaboration,
enabling Muslim communities worldwide
to exchange knowledge and enrich Islamic
Studies through diverse cultural perspectives.
By reducing geographical and socioeconomic
barriers, these tools make Islamic Studies more
inclusive, reaching students in remote areas and
underserved populations.
Practical Applications of Digital Technologies in Islamic Studies
For many Muslims in Malaysia, essential apps
offer features that remind them of prayer times,
provide tazkirah (reminders), and share basic
Islamic knowledge. For instance, Muslim Pro, a
popular lifestyle app among Muslims, will celebrate
its 14th anniversary by introducing new activities
and features. These include access to additional
content such as articles, downloadable gratitude
journals, and inspirational wallpapers aimed at
encouraging positive reflections in daily life. These
resources will be available both on the Muslim Pro
app and its Instagram page.
This milestone marks a significant achievement
in Muslim Pro’s mission to serve the global Muslim
community. With over 150 million downloads
across over 190 markets, it is regarded as the
world’s most popular Muslim lifestyle app.
Launched in 2009 with the goal of providing
accurate prayer times, Muslim Pro has adapted to
meet its users’ evolving needs, expanding into a
comprehensive app serving millions worldwide.
Recognised for its accuracy, Muslim Pro was
the first to offer verified prayer times for major
cities around the globe. It also features the full
Quran with Arabic scripts, coloured Tajweed
(the art of reciting the Quran correctly), over 40 translations, and more. Users can now explore
selected surahs (chapters of the Quran), and use
tools to help with Quran memorisation.
Islamic Studies must address global challenges such as environmental sustainability, combat misinformation and Islamophobia, and promote inclusivity and open dialogue within Islamic scholarship.
Ask AiDeen, a feature within the app, provides support in one’s faith journey, offering information on a wide range of Islamic topics that is accessible anytime. Trained to answer questions based on the Quran and authentic hadiths (recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad), Ask AiDeen ensures reliable guidance. Building on the integration of digital tools in Islamic Studies, the study of hadith has also greatly benefited from applications such as Lidwa Pustaka. Lidwa Pustaka, an Indonesian application, houses an impressive 62,000 hadith sourced from the nine major hadith collections (kutub al-tis’ah). This app stands as a vital resource for deepening the understanding of hadith and Islamic scholarship, offering accessibility and convenience in ways that traditional print resources cannot.
Conclusion
The digital era presents unprecedented opportunities to advance Islamic Studies while preserving its rich traditions. By cultivating digital literacy and addressing potential challenges, Islamic Studies can cultivate knowledgeable and compassionate individuals who contribute to cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence with others. The collective goal of Islamic Studies and its learning communities is to make Islamic Studies inclusive and forward-looking in this dynamic digital age.