Recently, Saudi Arabia launched a Metaverse initiative called ‘Virtual Blackstone’, which enables visitors to visit the Kaaba virtually. With this technology initiative, he announced that it is now possible to visit Hacerülesved stone with virtual reality glasses. Following this announcement, the new initiative sparked controversy among theologians.
Head of Kaaba and Masjid Prophetic Affairs Sheikh Dr. The virtual pilgrimage project by Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz al Saud will be represented by the General Administration of Digital Exhibitions as part of the Virtual Hajar al-Aswad initiative, the Royal Saudi Exhibition and Museum Affairs Agency.
According to the news of Hürriyet; This new project of Arabia has been the subject of discussion. There was talk of whether this would replace the actual pilgrimage. Theologians commented that this could not be a virtual pilgrimage, but that it would satisfy the spiritual feelings of those who tried it and that they would go on the pilgrimage more experienced.
What Do Theologians Think About Virtual Pilgrimage?
Hajj and Umrah Services General Manager Remzi Bircan said, “There is no such thing as a metaverse pilgrimage, there is no text from Saudi Arabia, and it is possible to visit the Kaaba with the metaverse, but not worship.
29 Mayıs University Faculty of Theology Inst. Member Hatice Boynukalın also stated that the issue of ‘virtual pilgrimage’ should be seen as an opportunity, not a worship, and said;
“Just as if you do not feel satiated when you eat in the virtual universe, the opportunities offered in the Metaverse for performing the pilgrimage do not cause one to become a pilgrim. ”
Istanbul University Faculty of Theology Faculty Member Abdullah Tırabzon stated that virtual and reality are definitely not the same, and that if you visit the Kaaba virtually, you will not be a pilgrim and you cannot perform Umrah.
Theologian Prof. Dr. Hayri Kırbaşoğlu made the following statements on the subject;
“One of the conditions of pilgrimage is to be able to go there. If it becomes impossible to make a pilgrimage there or to make the pilgrimage there, you are not responsible. However, people with good financial and health conditions should go if the pandemic is over. Then they become responsible. This application satisfies the emotions, it can be exciting. Therefore, those who cannot go on pilgrimage can take advantage of this opportunity to satisfy their spiritual feelings. ”
Assoc. Dr. Emre Dorman stated that pilgrimage does not make it an obligation for people who cannot afford to perform it in real terms, that it is a good development for people to visit those places, at least even in a virtual environment, but this beautiful practice will not ensure the fulfillment of the pilgrimage.
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