Gorontalo I 15 September 2025 - The Student Association of the Department of al-Qur'an and Tafsir Science (IAT), Faculty of Ushuluddin and Da'wah IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo successfully held an international seminar with the theme “Gen Z and Digital Hijrah: Understanding the Qur'an Amidst the Virality of Religious Content”, which was conducted in a hybrid manner on Monday, September 15, 2025.
This seminar presented expert speakers from within and outside the country, namely Dr. Salih Yousuf Sharaf Muhammed, M. Sc. (Lecturer at Al Gezira University Sudan), Dr. Endang Saeful Anwar, Lc.., M.A (Lecturer of al-Qur'an and Tafsir Study Program, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUDA) UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten), Dr. Muzayyin, M.Hum. (Author of the book “Moderation of Imam al-Ghazali's Tafsir” and IAINU & UII Lecturer) and Basri, S.Th.I, M.Hum (Lecturer of IQT IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo) and Dr. Mustaqimah, MA (Head of IQT Study Program IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo).
In his presentation, Dr. Muzayyin, M.Hum, a resource person from IAINU & UII emphasized the importance of presenting a contextual interpretation approach for young Muslims living in the digital era. He emphasized that technological developments must be utilized to broaden the understanding of the Qur'an, rather than distancing the younger generation from Islamic values.
Meanwhile, FUDA IAT Lecturer at UIN SMH Banten, Dr. Endang Saeful Anwar, M.A who is also the Vice Dean III of FUDA, highlighted the phenomenon of virality of religious content which is often the daily consumption of Gen Z. According to him, “digital Hijrah” needs to be interpreted as an awareness to internalize the value of the Qur'an in the midst of the swift flow of social media information. He also emphasized the importance of religious digital literacy so that students and the younger generation are not trapped in religious content that is superficial, provocative, or has no scientific basis. The negative impact of technological advances needs to be minimized. “The lack of literacy can lead to the existence of pThe potential for misinterpretation because verses are taken out of context, the dominance of influencers over authoritative scholars, and the risk of religious polarization and echo chambers.” he said.
Dr. Mustaqimah, M.A in her speech said that this activity is a form of commitment of IQT students of IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo to open a space for academic discussions that are relevant to the challenges of the times. “We want to invite students and the younger generation to be wiser in understanding the Qur'an through digital media,” he said.
This event received a positive response from participants who attended both offline at the IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo Hall Building and online through the googlemeet application. The interactive discussion that took place showed the enthusiasm of students in understanding the dynamics of the role of the Qur'an in the midst of digital changes.
By organizing this international seminar, it is hoped that a young generation of Muslims will be born who are not only technologically literate, but also have spiritual depth and a strong understanding of the Qur'an. (Esafa)
