Current Volume 9
Digital Divinity: How Technology is Reshaping Faith and Religious Practices in the Modern World
Abstract
The rapid expansion of digital technologies has transformed social, economic, and cultural life across the world, including the sphere of religion. Within contemporary Muslim societies, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and digital communication platforms are increasingly influencing how religious knowledge is produced, accessed, interpreted, and practiced. This study examines the impact of emerging technologies on Islamic religious practice, with particular attention to AI-assisted religious scholarship, virtual pilgrimage experiences, and Islamic ethical responses to digital innovation. Using a qualitative conceptual approach based on an extensive review of contemporary literature, the paper analyses how technological developments are reshaping religious authority, spiritual experience, and ethical decision-making. The findings indicate that AI enhances access to religious texts and educational resources, while virtual technologies provide innovative opportunities for religious learning and engagement. However, these developments also raise significant concerns regarding authenticity, authority, privacy, human agency, and the preservation of embodied religious practices. The study argues that technology should be understood not merely as a tool but as a transformative environment that increasingly influences religious behaviour and interpretation. The paper concludes that Islamic jurisprudence possesses sufficient intellectual flexibility to engage constructively with technological change through the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah, maslahah, and ijtihad. A balanced approach that combines technological innovation with ethical accountability is essential for ensuring that digital transformation supports rather than undermines the core values of Islam.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Digital Religion, Islamic Ethics, Religious Technology, Islamic Jurisprudence
Citations
IRE Journals:
Muhammad Auwal Sulaiman "Digital Divinity: How Technology is Reshaping Faith and Religious Practices in the Modern World" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 2089-2095 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719051
IEEE:
Muhammad Auwal Sulaiman
"Digital Divinity: How Technology is Reshaping Faith and Religious Practices in the Modern World" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719051
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IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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