Islamic Education and Digital Literacy: Bridging Traditions and the Digital World

02 August 2023

 

The modern world is experiencing a rapid development of digital technologies that affect all spheres of life, including education. Islamic education, enriched with centuries-old traditions, is facing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This article explores how to adapt Islamic education to the digital world and create a harmonious bridge between the rich heritage and modern digital opportunities.


Islamic values and digital age


Values of Islam such as education, search for knowledge and personal development, are finding new fulfillment in the digital age. Digital technologies are becoming a vehicle for the dissemination of Islamic wisdom and education, promoting understanding and spiritual growth of the Muslim society.


Advantages of digital technologies in Islamic education


Online courses, webinars and platforms for online education provide wide access to knowledge about Islam. Students can study the history of Islam, culture and religious texts anywhere at the time convenient to them.


Preservation and popularization of Islamic culture


Digital technologies help preserve and promote rich culture of the Islamic world. Video tutorials, virtual tours around historical sites and interactive multimedia materials help to promote Islamic culture on the world stage.


Adaptation of curricula


With the development of technologies, it is necessary to adapt curricula and teaching methods to take into account peculiarities of digital education. Interactive lessons, testing via online platforms and student involvement into the educational process contribute to more effective learning.


Development of digital literacy


Educators and students need to develop digital literacy in order to use technology effectively for educational purposes. Teaching online skills, critical thinking and data protection are becoming an integral part of the educational process.


Meeting the challenges


With the development of digital technologies, there are concerns about security of information and spread of extremist ideologies. Proper use and control of digital resources can help overcome these challenges and make education safe and meaningful.


Global cooperation


Digital technologies provide a unique opportunity for global cooperation and knowledge exchange among different Islamic communities. Online communication and virtual conferences contribute to the enrichment of Islamic education through various cultural contexts.


Improving access to education


Digital technologies reduce geographical and social barriers, facilitating access to education for all segments of society. This is particularly important for students from remote areas and low-income families.


General examples of the use of digital technologies in Islamic education in Russia


Online platforms and video lectures: many Islamic educational institutions in Russia provide access to online platforms where students can watch video lectures by prominent religious leaders and scholars.


Mobile applications for studying the Quran and hadiths: mobile applications developed both by domestic and international companies allow Muslims in Russia to conveniently read, study and interpret Islam’s sacred texts.


Social media and YouTube channels: some Muslim scholars and spiritual leaders from Russia use social media and platforms such as YouTube to disseminate Islamic knowledge and spiritual lessons.


Webinars and remote learning: Islamic educational institutions can organize webinars and online courses with the use of digital technologies in order to provide education to students from different regions of Russia.


The digital age offers unique opportunities for the development of Islamic education and its harmonious blending with the traditions. Adapting curricula, development of digital literacy and overcoming challenges will produce educated and emphatic individuals who will contribute to peaceful coexistence and cultural dialogue among peoples. It is a common endeavor of Muslim and educational communities to make education for Muslims accessible and progressive in the digital age.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Marvin Meyer/Unsplash