E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 599 Furthermore, the deployment of AI in Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Saudi authorities and international Islamic bodies to lead global discussions on ethical AI use in religious contexts. By demonstrating how technological advancement can align with spiritual traditions, policymakers can set precedents that inform broader debates on AI governance in multicultural and faith-based environments. Thus, the implications of policy decisions extend not only to Hajj but also to the wider conversation on the role of AI in society. 4. For Islamic Scholarship The growing integration of AI into the Hajj pilgrimage also calls for renewed theological engagement. Scholars must address how technological tools, designed primarily for efficiency, can be reconciled with the deeply spiritual essence of religious practice. Qurashi and Sharpley (2018) emphasize that the authenticity of worship lies in intention, sincerity, and communal participation. As such, Islamic scholarship must evaluate whether AI supports or potentially distracts from these core values. One emerging perspective suggests that AI can enrich spiritual experiences by guiding pilgrims more effectively through rituals. Applications that provide reminders of prayers, explanations of rites, and personalized devotional prompts can deepen understanding and promote mindfulness. At the same time, scholars caution against over-reliance, noting that if AI substitutes for human learning or interpersonal guidance, it risks diluting the embodied and communal nature of worship (Qurashi & Sharpley, 2018). Ultimately, Islamic scholarship is tasked with providing interpretive frameworks that allow AI to coexist with religious tradition in a manner that safeguards authenticity. This may involve issuing fatwas, developing guidelines for permissible technology use, and educating pilgrims on the appropriate balance between technological assistance and personal devotion. In this way, scholars play a pivotal role in ensuring that AI not only complements logistical and health benefits but also contributes meaningfully to the integrity of the spiritual journey. Collectively, these implications highlight both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with adopting AI in the Hajj context. By aligning technological innovation with ethical governance and spiritual principles, stakeholders can ensure that AI functions not only as a logistical tool but as a holistic enabler of a safe, inclusive, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage (Alafif et al., 2025; Shah, 2024). SYNTHESIS OF IMPLICATIONS The integration of AI into the Hajj experience demonstrates its transformative potential across multiple domains, uniting the needs of pilgrims, organizers, policymakers, and scholars into a coherent ecosystem. For pilgrims, AI offers safety, personalized care, and spiritual support, ensuring that their focus remains on worship rather than logistical challenges. For organizers, these tools provide predictive and real-time insights that improve coordination, reduce risks, and enable more effective healthcare and crowd management. Together, these benefits highlight how AI strengthens both individual and collective experiences during Hajj. From a governance perspective, policymakers bear the responsibility of embedding ethical principles into AI deployment. Protecting personal data, regulating surveillance technologies, and ensuring that technological interventions respect the sacred nature of Hajj are essential. Meanwhile, Islamic scholars contribute by situating AI use within theological frameworks that affirm the authenticity of worship while embracing the benefits of innovation. Their role ensures that technology complements rather than displaces spiritual intention, thus harmonizing faith with modern advancements. Taken together, these perspectives underscore that AI is not merely a logistical tool but a catalyst for reimagining how large-scale religious events can be managed in the 21st century. When deployed responsibly and ethically, AI can transform Hajj into an experience that is not only safer and more