MOHD KHAIRULHIDAYAT BIN KHALID
Nurul Fazmidar Mohd Noor
Dr Syed Mohd Jeffri bin Syed Jaafar
This research project aims to address the difficulty in understanding the rituals of Hajj for new pilgrims, cost effectiveness and sustainability of scaled Hajj for training and lack of interactivity and engagement in existing Hajj training materials. The objectives are to investigate the current problem with Hajj courses, to develop an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training tool for first-time pilgrims and students and lastly to evaluate the usability of VR in performing Hajj lessons for Muslims in Malaysia.
The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining survey and in-depth interviews with one of the qualified instructors for teaching pilgrims. The survey collects quantitative data on the participants’ opinion of the VR simulation while the interview provides valuable qualitative insights into the person’s experience and deep understanding about Hajj.
Preliminary findings from the survey indicate a high level of acceptance and positive feedback from the participants regarding the simulation. The immersive nature of the experience was highlighted as the main advantage, allowing pilgrims to practice the rituals in a controlled setting. The interview further revealed the best way to integrate VR simulation into the Hajj preparation and learning.
However, the research also identified some limitations including technology limitations and individual preferences. The effectiveness may vary depending on the type of head-mounted display (HMD) used. Additionally, it is difficult to cater to all the pilgrims’ unique needs, preferences and level of prior knowledge and experience. iv
In conclusion, this research project demonstrates the potential of VR simulation as an effective tool for enhancing Hajj training and preparation. The findings highlight the positive impact of integrating the simulation to Hajj preparation to pilgrims’ understanding, readiness and engagement with Hajj rituals. The results will contribute to the development of innovative training tools for pilgrims and pave the path for immersive simulations to help religious practices.