TRANSFORMING HADITH STUDIES IN THE DIGITAL AGE: TOWARDS A NEW ASTRONOMOCAL HADITH PARADIGM

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly reshaped the landscape of Islamic scholarship, including the field of Hadith studies. In particular, traditions related to astronomical phenomena—such as prayer times, moon sighting, qiblah orientation, eclipses, and celestial signs—require renewed scholarly attention in light of contemporary scientific developments. This article examines how Hadith studies can be transformed in the digital age through the emergence of a new paradigm in Astronomical Hadith Studies. The study adopts a qualitative library research methodology by analysing classical Hadith sources, contemporary academic literature, and recent technological applications related to Islamic astronomy. It further explores the interaction between traditional textual scholarship and modern scientific tools such as astronomical calculations, satellite navigation systems, geospatial mapping, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence.  The findings indicate that the classical approach to astronomical hadith interpretation, while foundational and authoritative, often relied on environmental observation methods suited to earlier historical contexts. In contrast, contemporary realities—such as urban obstruction, global mobility, polar regions, and digital lifestyles—necessitate more adaptive and interdisciplinary approaches. The proposed paradigm integrates Hadith authentication, fiqh principles, astronomical data, and digital technologies to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and consistency in religious practice. It also highlights the importance of scholarly governance, app certification, and collaboration between hadith experts, astronomers, and software developers to prevent misinformation and methodological errors.