How AI-infused edtech is transforming learning for Muslims

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and their operational efficiencies, leaving an indelible mark on productivity and time management. The education space is no different, with new tech restructuring how people assimilate and consume knowledge.  

Much like the rest of the world, AI has potential to reinvent education across the Muslim world, extending beyond the classroom to optimize resource allocation and enhance cultural preservation. From AI-powered personalized learning to gamified experiences, digital tools can revolutionize education across communities, breaking traditional barriers, and creating new opportunities for students.

One such innovator is EYouth, an Egyptian social enterprise that empowers youth through interactive career development programs, offering inclusive learning opportunities tailored to the unique needs of young Muslims. It has over 160,000 users. 

Beyond basics, EYouth also integrates essential life skills such as sustainability, financial literacy, and community-building into its curricula. It is incorporating AI-driven programs to improve accessibility and personalization. 

“We focus on personalized learning, skill development, and holistic growth,” says Mustafa Abd Ellatif, CEO of EYouth. “Our courses allow learners to progress at their own pace while accommodating their cultural and religious values. We offer programs in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership to prepare youth for a competitive job market.”

Currently, EYouth operates in 21 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and select regions globally. As it expands, the company is prioritizing growth in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which contribute 80% of its revenue. It also plans to enter underserved markets in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where digital education solutions can play a transformative role.

“We aim to empower an additional three million youth by 2027, focusing on critical areas like digital skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainability,” says Abd Ellatif, who is also the vice chairman of Youth Entrepreneurs Network, a USAID-funded initiative that aims to support young entrepreneurs across Egypt.

AI and ethics in education

In the UAE, the newly established EdTech Academy, founded by Renad Turki, a Google-certified educator, is combining technical knowledge with ethical AI use.

EdTech Academy is already making a mark by leveraging AI-powered platforms, interactive media tools, and digital learning environments. It employs large language models (LLMs) for personalized tutoring, AI-driven assessment tools for grading and feedback, and generative AI for storytelling, design, and video production.

"As a Muslim AI trainer, I bring a unique perspective that helps educators and students relate AI tools to Islamic studies, ethics, and values,” says Turki. “This includes demonstrating how AI can enhance Islamic-related lessons, such as analyzing historical texts, learning Arabic, or engaging with AI-powered Quranic tafsir tools—while also being mindful of AI limitations.”

 “Looking ahead, we are exploring adaptive learning platforms and ethical AI frameworks to ensure responsible technology use in education,” says Turki. 

The academy has already made a strong impact in the Middle East. It has delivered AI literacy programs to 500+ educators and 1,500+ students, collaborating with organizations like BEAM Education and Injaz UAE on Google’s and Microsoft’s AI initiatives. 

The next step is expanding across the Gulf region and beyond, with plans to launch a scalable AI learning platform for customized AI training worldwide.

Enhancing Islamic education

AI has the potential to revolutionize education globally, says Dr. Mohamad Abdulsattar, an information communication technology specialist at Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education. And in Muslim-majority regions, it offers promise for accessibility, personalization, and cultural relevance.

“AI-powered platforms can cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring students learn at their own pace,” explains Abdulsattar. "AI-powered virtual classrooms can also reach students in rural areas with limited access to schools. Machine translation tools can help bridge language barriers, making global knowledge available in Arabic, Urdu, Malay, and other regional languages.”

EYouth’s Abd Ellatif also underscores AI's influential role in enhancing accessibility. “AI-powered tools, such as language translators and virtual tutors, can help students break down linguistic and geographical barriers,” he says. 

Moreover, AI can enhance Islamic education, with AI-powered tutors supporting non-native speakers in mastering Arabic, particularly for Quranic studies, ensuring accurate pronunciation and comprehension.

“Chatbots and voice assistants can answer questions about Islamic jurisprudence, and support students in both secular and religious education. AI-generated virtual reality experiences of Islamic history can bring cultural and historical teachings to life,” says Abdulsattar.

One success story is Niyyah, an educational app designed to help busy Muslims connect with their faith through bite-sized Quranic learning. Since launching in 2023, it has attracted 20,000 users across 70 countries. With gamified features and an easy approach to learning, Niyyah raised $2 million from edtech investors in 2024 to develop a new iteration of the app.

One particularly compelling application is the use of AI to preserve and enrich Islamic heritage. Interactive learning experiences - such as virtual museum tours, augmented reality explorations of historical sites, and AI-powered tools for analyzing and translating Islamic texts - can offer students an immersive way to connect with their cultural and religious legacies. 

By leveraging AI, edtech can make Islamic heritage more accessible and engaging for students, deepening their understanding in innovative ways, according to Abdulsattar. 

Furthermore, there is a growing opportunity to develop ethical and halal AI, ensuring that technology aligns with Islamic principles, respects privacy, and mitigates bias.

However, challenges remain. Limited access to technology and reliable Internet connectivity continues to hinder progress in many regions, making it essential to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, safeguarding student data privacy and security is crucial as the adoption of edtech tools expands.

Despite these hurdles, the integration of edtech presents a transformative opportunity for educational institutions across the Muslim world. And as digital learning solutions advance, technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Muslim-majority countries.