Integrating AI into Qur'an learning: Technical advances and pedagogical gaps

Artificial intelligence (AI) has brought significant transformation not only in digital industries but also in education, including religious education and Qur'an teaching. The traditional face-to-face teacher-student model is not always accessible today, paving the way for AI-based tools as supportive options in Qur'an learning. This study investigates the current state and potential of AI applications in Qur'an learning through a qualitative case study design combining two methods: (1) a review of literature on AI in religious learning and Qur'an recitation learning, and (2) a comparative review of existing AI applications. The research emphasizes investigation and evaluation of AI tools specifically geared for the study of the Qur'an and does not include tools related to exegesis, or overall Islamic education applications. Literature indicates that AI provides features such as pronunciation analysis, tajweed rule detection, and adaptive feedback but lacks pedagogical direction and spiritual transmission. Application reviews confirm these findings, showing that AI tools offer technical benefits but cannot cover the holistic learning process. AI-based tools present rich opportunities yet require more precision and pedagogical depth. It is concluded that AI serves as a complementary, not a replacement, in Qur'an education, and continuous technical and pedagogical improvement is essential. A potential development may be a ‘fem-i muhsin' AI instructor, but traditional teaching methodologies remain indispensable.