The world is in the midst of a digital revolution and with it the way we think about value is changing. The application of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent and convey religious values and principles is one of the most fascinating manifestations of this new perspective.
NFT is a brand new technology, but there is a lot of excitement about its potential. There is also a lot of excitement about the possibilities that NFTs offer in various sectors, including education and religion. The ability of NFTs to contribute to the teaching and transmission of religious values and beliefs is particularly fascinating.
Cointelegraph caught up with Deepali Shukla, the founder and CEO of MetaDee, a new London-based NFT marketplace that has just launched exclusive Quran manuscript NFTs dating back to early Islam. The unique manuscript of the Quran, believed to have been composed between 632 and 1100 AD, is now kept by the guardian family in Saudi Arabia. The copies have been authenticated and verified by the Research Laboratory of Archeology and History of Art (RLAHA) at the University of Oxford after thorough investigation.
Shukla, a lifelong art collector and admirer, told Cointelegraph she was compelled to connect the physical and virtual realms. She noted that in the NFT realm, a digital art token serves as the equivalent of the actual artwork. While explaining the role of NFTs in Islamic societies, she pointed out that:
“The scriptures of ancient times, for example, are often heard but seldom appreciated in their fullest essence. Today, technology provides access to new treasures of their exclusive domain, while manifesting their goodness to the general public .”
In the context of whether NFTs are halal or haram, Shukla replied that Islam is generally taught with the aim of adapting to the ever-changing demands of the world. She referenced crescentwealth.com.au, which says NFTs could be used as a high-tech financial remedy for inflation. Muslims, on the other hand, should bear in mind that an NFT must adhere to halal principles, she noted.
The digitization of sacred art allows it to be easily accessible to the general public as well as Muslims who follow Islamic culture, according to Shukla. It helps in spreading the important messages of Islamic scholars, poets and the eternal teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she added.
“With the potential to reach non-Muslims and other institutions, NFTs could be easily accessed using cell phones, laptops, and a variety of gadgets.”
Shukla believes in the potential of blockchain to bring value and spread Islamic knowledge. She said universities can keep it on their cloud or network while users can access the information on all platforms, adding that:
“Digital learning and project sharing are inherent attributes of NFT technology. Ed-Tech reduces the cost of education, facilitating inclusive learning for the disadvantaged.”
Asked about the potential benefit of using NFTs properly for the Islamic community, Shukla said the age of NFTs seems to mean good times for the Islamic community. She cited MetaDee’s NFT version of the handwritten Holy Quran manuscripts from 1,500 years ago. She called it “the equivalent of stepping into a goldmine of cultural history”, and noted that it wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been digitized and symbolized.
