The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation has become a crucial challenge for Islamic educational institutions worldwide. Director of the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Prof. Shahir Akram Hassan, emphasized that Islamic educational institutions must be able to adapt without sacrificing their identity and religious ethical foundation.
During an International Seminar organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council in Jakarta, Prof. Shahir highlighted that technology should be positioned as a supporting instrument in building a more effective civilization. He warned that without the guidance of Sharia values, digital progress risks triggering new problems, such as disinformation, data privacy crises, and worsening social divisions.
Furthermore, Prof. Shahir highlighted the competency gap between graduates of conventional religious education and the needs of modern management. According to him, a new integration model is needed, which he refers to as Islamic Development Management (IDM). This approach combines a deep understanding of maqashid sharia with AI literacy and innovative digital governance.
As a concrete effort, the Islamic educational world is urged to move away from conventional teaching methods and begin producing a cross-disciplinary generation. Future leaders are expected not only to be proficient in science and technology, but also to possess strong moral integrity to deliver just solutions for society at large.
The event, attended by experts from various countries, served as a strategic space to strengthen global collaboration. It is hoped that this cross-border synergy can accelerate the transformation of Islamic education to be adaptive, responsible, and continually relevant amidst the rapidly moving wave of technological revolution.
