The metaverse has become the most popular topic of recent times and therefore a topic of discussion in almost every field. Nowadays, the question of whether worship can be done with the metaverse is frequently asked, and theologians have different opinions on this issue. In an article by Yeni Şafak, several theologians expressed their views on the subject.
Assoc. Dr. Muhammed Kızılgeçit thinks it is too early to say anything. Kızılgeçit used the following statements regarding the subject:
“It would be appropriate to ask the Islamic Lawyers and the Presidency of Religious Affairs whether there will be worship in the metaverse, which has been increasingly intensifying recently. However, in terms of the Psychology of Religion, which is my field, I think that this may be a religious experience, but it cannot be called worshipable yet, and it would be premature to say this under these conditions. The search for worship in the Metaverse is rather a reflection of the spiritual/spiritualist search for individual meaning. Although some worships can be performed individually and spiritually, some worships require the unity of the body and space, and these worship are experiences that transcend individuality.
Mersin University Faculty of Islamic Sciences Lecturer Assoc. Dr. Muhammet Özdemir, on the other hand, thinks that worship in the virtual environment will not be valid. Özdemir used the following expressions:
“Worship in the virtual space will be appropriate for people with disabilities, together with the license to be issued by the Diyanet. Apart from that, it can be used for educational purposes while teaching people about worship. Since the Metaverse is a universe based on commerce, it is not appropriate to worship here.”
“Suitable for Education”
Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Faculty of Islamic Sciences Dr. Instructor Member Mehmet Haberli stated that worship in the metaverse would be appropriate within the scope of education:
“The metaverse is not suitable for prayers like prayers that need to be performed physically. However, there may be no harm in giving zakat to religious institutions and organizations that are institutionally present in the Metaverse. In addition, if the person is to arouse religious feelings, it may be morally beneficial to visit virtual pilgrimages or similar holy places in the Metaverse. I also experienced virtual pilgrimage in Second Life in 2010. At this point, I felt and observed that it aroused religious feelings. For example, this year, Arabia does not allow people over the age of 65 to make pilgrimage due to pandemic measures. The fact that these people experience the pilgrimage, albeit virtually, can make them feel good spiritually and relieve their longing a little.”
“There Can’t Be A Question of Worship”
Previously, General Director of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Hajj and Umrah Services Remzi Bircan said, “We will visit the Kaaba with the Metaverse, but there is no question of worship.” had used. Bircan had said the following:
“We will perform our pilgrimage as the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj informed us. There is no letter sent to us from there. We will visit the Kaaba with the Metaverse, but there is no question of worship. For example, Arafat has a certain limit. You cannot go beyond that limit, your feet must touch the ground.”
Istanbul University Faculty of Theology Faculty Member Abdullah Tirabzon said the following:
“Virtual and reality cannot be the same. When you visit the Kaaba virtually, you do not become a pilgrim, you do not perform Umrah. Therefore, if there is a concept of pilgrimage with the Metaverse, someone will get up and pray with the Metaverse. He can say that I can pray from the virtual world from where I sit, after all, I feel it. But this is something that will definitely not be valid legally.”
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