Depression is a significant global health issue, and Muslim communities face unique challenges in addressing it, requiring culturally and spiritually relevant interventions. This project explores the integration of virtual reality (VR) with Islamic spiritual values to tackle depression in Muslim populations. Research emphasizes the positive impact of Islamic religiosity on mental health, and by leveraging VR, the goal is to create accessible, personalized, and stigma-free therapeutic tools. The project seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream mental health treatments, which often overlook the spiritual dimension, and the need for holistic care that respects Islamic values. The central question is how emerging technologies can be combined with Islamic principles to provide comprehensive mental health support for Muslim individuals.

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Primary Objective:
Leverage Virtual Reality (VR) to create immersive experiences of Islamic holy sites, accompanied by Quranic recitations, Hadith, and supplications, aimed at alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety in Muslim individuals.

Secondary Objectives:

1. Authentic Representation:
Faithfully recreate iconic Islamic holy sites in VR with precision and respect, offering users a deeply spiritual and immersive experience.

2. Integration of Sacred Teachings:
Embed Quranic recitations, Hadith, and supplications within the VR environment, enabling users to not only see but fully engage with the spiritual atmosphere of these sacred spaces.

3. Therapeutic Potential:  
  Assess the effects of these VR experiences on mental well-being, measuring their impact on symptom reduction, emotional relief, and spiritual fulfilment.

4. Feedback and Iteration:
  Continuously gather user feedback to refine and improve the VR experience, ensuring it resonates with and benefits participants.

Positionally:
Raised in Cairo and shaped by Dubai’s multicultural environment, my upbringing has deeply influenced my approach to this project. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Design at UOA, I’ve learned to blend tradition with innovation, which is at the heart of this project. Using VR to combine Islamic sacred sites with therapeutic technology reflects both my academic journey and personal connection to Islamic values.  

While my background provides unique insights, I recognize the diversity within the Muslim community and approach this endeavor with humility, open-mindedness, and empathy. My goal is to create a solution that’s both innovative and respectful of the community’s spiritual needs, guided by my education and personal experiences.

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An immersive representation of the most relevant holy site in Islam. A place where individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety can find peace, serenity, and solace, reconnecting with their faith and creator, listening to the words of a loving, guiding creator.

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