E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 600 efficient but also spiritually enriching. However, this vision depends on continuous collaboration among technologists, religious leaders, and policymakers to maintain a balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that the sanctity of Hajj remains preserved for generations to come. DISCUSSION The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the Hajj pilgrimage raises both opportunities and challenges that require careful examination. Scholars have highlighted the ability of AI to improve efficiency and safety in large-scale religious gatherings, yet they also caution that technological interventions may alter the nature of spiritual experiences (Qurashi & Sharpley, 2018; Rahman, et al., 2022). While AI can reduce logistical pressures on pilgrims, there is a need to critically assess its broader implications in terms of ethics, privacy, and cultural acceptance. An immediate primary concern is the issue of privacy and data protection (Shah, 2024). AI systems that monitor crowds, track health conditions, or provide personalized guidance depend on the collection and analysis of sensitive personal information. Pilgrims’ biometric data, health records, and geolocation data, if not properly secured, may be vulnerable to misuse (Alafif et al., 2025; Shambour & Gutub, 2022). Previous research on technology in religious tourism has emphasized the importance of robust governance frameworks to ensure that data collection respects individual rights while still enabling effective management (Rahman, et al., 2022). Without strong safeguards, the benefits of AI risk being overshadowed by concerns over surveillance and misuse of information. Another challenge involves the risk of over-reliance on AI technologies, which may unintentionally diminish the human and communal aspects of Hajj. The pilgrimage has historically been understood not only as a ritual act of worship but also as a test of patience, endurance, and solidarity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds (Qurashi & Sharpley, 2018). If pilgrims become dependent on AI tools for ritual guidance or logistical support, there is a concern that personal responsibility and collective interactions could be reduced. As Shambour and Gutub (2022) argue, technology should be designed to complement rather than substitute human agency in sacred contexts. Cultural and theological acceptance also plays a central role in determining the success of AI adoption (Qurashi & Sharpley, 2018). Religious authorities and policymakers must navigate sensitivities associated with integrating advanced technologies into acts of worship. For some pilgrims, technology may be perceived as an intrusion into the sanctity of religious rituals, raising questions about authenticity and tradition. Prior studies have emphasized the importance of framing AI tools as facilitators of worship that align with Islamic values rather than as replacements for traditional practices (Alafif et al., 2025; Shambour & Gutub, 2022). This requires ongoing dialogue with religious scholars and careful consideration of the symbolic significance of Hajj rituals. Finally, the adoption of AI in the Hajj pilgrimage has broader implications beyond the immediate religious context (Shah, 2024). Lessons from AI deployment in crowd management, health monitoring, and multilingual support during Hajj can inform practices in other global mass gatherings, both religious and secular. However, as Rahman, et al., (2022) notes, such applications must remain sensitive to the unique cultural and spiritual dimensions of each setting. The Hajj experience demonstrates that the successful integration of AI requires balancing technological innovation with respect for religious traditions, ethical principles, and the spiritual essence of worship. CONCLUSION AI has the potential to redefine the Hajj pilgrimage as a safer, more accessible, and spiritually enriching experience. By supporting crowd management, health monitoring, multilingual communication, personalized guidance, and spiritual education, AI functions not only as a logistical enabler but also as