Virtual Reality as a Learning Medium: A Literature Review in the Context of Islamic Religious Education

The advancement of digital technology has driven a transformation in the field of education, including the teaching of Islamic Religious Education (PAI). One technological innovation with the potential to enhance the quality of instruction is Virtual Reality (VR)—a technology that enables learners to gain immersive educational experiences through simulations of virtual environments. In PAI instruction—specifically regarding topics such as acts of worship (ibadah) and Islamic history—the use of conventional media often faces limitations, particularly in providing concrete visualizations and learning experiences. Subjects like the procedures for Hajj, Umrah, and shalat (prayer) require a procedural and visual understanding, while the study of Islamic history demands historical imagination, allowing students to grasp events within their proper context. This study aims to describe the potential for utilizing Virtual Reality technology as a medium for PAI instruction, focusing on the areas of worship and Islamic history. Employing a qualitative approach, this research utilizes a literature review method, examining various scholarly sources relevant to the application of VR technology in education and PAI instruction. The data are analyzed descriptively to identify the opportunities, benefits, and challenges associated with implementing VR in the learning process. This study demonstrates that VR technology has the potential to provide a more interactive, immersive, and contextual learning experience, thereby helping students understand PAI subject matter more concretely and increasing their engagement in the learning process. Nevertheless, its implementation requires careful consideration of infrastructure readiness, the costs of acquiring equipment, and the competence of educators in integrating such technology into their teaching. This research is expected to provide a conceptual contribution toward the development of innovative PAI learning media that are adaptive to the evolution of digital technology.