UNAIR NEWS – Chairina, Head of the Innovation Team for the Development, Harmonization of Services, SPBE Applications of Directorate of Government Information Application Services (SPBE) at the Ministry of Communication and Information, mentioned that metaverse technology has various uses. It could provide the virtual Manasik of Hajj service.
Manasik is a simulation for individuals before performing the actual Hajj. Individuals will practice performing the rites or ceremonies of Hajj, including tawaf, sai, wukuf, etc.
The plan to use metaverse for virtual Manasik of Hajj for prospective pilgrims has sparked pros and cons. Dr. Imron Mawardi SP MSi, an Islamic economist from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), shared his response regarding this issue.
He emphasized that the Manasik is not part of the actual Hajj rituals. It is a simulation to help prospective pilgrims perform the correct rites for Hajj.
“Manasik is a practice for prospective pilgrims to learn the procedures during the actual Hajj, which includes ihram, wukuf, mabit, stoning the devil, tahalul, and tawaf,” explained Dr. Imron.
He believes that conducting Manasik of Hajj through metaverse is valid and permissible. The metaverse allows the prospective Hajj pilgrims to learn the conditions and steps of performing the Hajj rituals more realistically.
Efficient costs while opening industry opportunities
Dr. Imron believes that the use of metaverse in Hajj preparation not only provides convenience and practicality but also opens opportunities to reduce expenses related to physical training and logistics. The adoption of the metaverse contributes positively to the economic aspect by optimizing the efficient use of resources.
“It’s safe to say that rarely do pilgrims perform the Manasik independently. The majority do so through the Hajj Worship Guidance Group (KBIH), which also serves as the organizer of Hajj spiritual preparation,” he said.
“The practice of Manasik can take months. Therefore, using the metaverse can save both time and cost.”
The Islamic economics lecturer also emphasized that the Manasik through metaverse could open up opportunities for other sectors, including the tourism and business industries. With the metaverse, people who plan to visit tourist destinations can easily familiarize themselves with the real conditions of the destination before their visit.
Author: Maissy Ar Maghfiroh
Editor: Feri Fenoria
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