THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ISLAMIC LEARNING: A REVIEW

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the transformative impact of social media on Islamic education in the contemporary digital age. The study analyses how social media platforms have revolutionized traditional methods of Islamic teaching and learning, creating new opportunities for knowledge dissemination while presenting unique challenges for maintaining educational authenticity. Drawing from recent research and scholarly literature, this review explores multiple dimensions of this transformation, including the emergence of "digital ulama," the democratization of religious knowledge, and the enhancement of women's access to Islamic education. The analysis reveals significant changes in pedagogical approaches, student engagement, and the traditional teacher-student relationship. Furthermore, the study investigates the challenges of maintaining religious authenticity and scholarly authority in digital spaces while acknowledging the unprecedented opportunities for global Islamic learning communities. Key findings indicate that while social media has substantially improved accessibility to Islamic education, particularly for underserved communities, it also necessitates careful consideration of content verification and the preservation of traditional teaching methodologies. The review concludes by identifying critical areas for future research, including the development of authentication frameworks for religious content, the integration of artificial intelligence in Islamic education, and the evaluation of long-term impacts on religious understanding and practice.