Transforming Islamic Education through Artificial Intelligence: The Perspective of the Independent Learning Curriculum

Abstract

This article explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Islamic education within the framework of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. As digital technologies increasingly shape educational practices, AI emerges not only as a supporting tool but also as a catalyst for innovative, flexible, and personalized learning. Through a qualitative descriptive approach and literature-based analysis, this study examines how AI contributes to adaptive learning systems, curriculum flexibility, and student-centered pedagogies while simultaneously addressing the ethical, pedagogical, and theological implications of its integration. The findings reveal that AI applications such as adaptive platforms, Qur’an learning apps, and interactive educational tools enhance student engagement, independence, and learning outcomes, in line with the principles of Merdeka Belajar. However, challenges remain, including digital inequality, teacher readiness, policy gaps, and the need for ethical guidelines to ensure that AI complements rather than undermines the moral and spiritual mission of Islamic education. The study concludes that AI can serve as a powerful instrument to strengthen Islamic education when integrated through a multidimensional framework that balances technological innovation with pedagogical and ethical considerations.