From Fiqh Formalism to Substantive Worship: A Socio-Legal Analysis of AI-Based Thematic Qur’anic Learning

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted thematic Qur’anic learning through Digital Quran version 3.1 in reshaping university students’ understanding of worship from a fiqh-formalistic perspective toward a focus on substantive worship. The research used a socio-legal approach combined with the Classroom Action Research (CAR) model by Kemmis and McTaggart. Participants included 300 university students enrolled in Islamic Religious Education courses at various higher education institutions in West Java, DKI Jakarta, and Banten. Data collection involved pre-tests, post-tests, classroom observations, students’ written reflections, and documentation of learning activities. The data were examined using thematic socio-legal analysis, employing open coding, axial coding, selective coding, discourse analysis, member checking, and interpretive validation. The findings show that, before the intervention, most students already exhibited a fairly high level of ritual compliance, especially in performing obligatory prayers and fasting. However, their understanding of worship was mainly shaped by a legal-formal mindset that focused on fulfilling the necessary conditions and pillars of worship. After implementing AI-assisted thematic Qur’anic learning, significant improvements appeared in several aspects of meaningful worship, notably awareness of repentance, fear of losing Allah’s guidance, spiritual awareness, viewing prayer as a defense against indecency and wrongdoing, and recognizing the importance of steadfastness in worship. The qualitative results reveal a developing understanding that worship involves more than just ritual validity; it also includes sincerity, humility, moral growth, and social responsibility. From a socio-legal perspective, this learning process prompted a shift from a formalistic to a reflective legal mindset, though some students still maintained a traditional fiqh perspective. This study proposes a conceptual model linking AI-assisted Qur’anic exploration, reflective Qur’anic literacy, reflective legal thinking, and a focus on meaningful worship. The results suggest that integrating AI into Qur’anic education can serve as a tool for maqāṣid-oriented digital governance, strengthening a more reflective, meaningful, and public-good-centered understanding of Islamic law.