Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, leaving no door unknocked, bringing with it both advantages and disadvantages. The wise person is the one who benefits from its advantages while avoiding its pitfalls. Technology has taken on various forms, emerging in artificial intelligence tools, communications, robotics, and 3D printing, until it reached the stage of embodying people and objects in a way that initially appears real. The rapid advancement of technology can be attributed to the increasing competition among companies and nations to develop more intelligent and innovative solutions, alongside the continuous accumulation of knowledge.
One of the latest technological advancements is "hologram" technology, which records and displays images in a three-dimensional format, allowing these virtual images to appear in real-world environments as if they are floating in the air, without the need for a display screen.
With hologram technology, it is possible to create the image of a great-grandfather who passed away more than 100 years ago, standing in the corner of a room as if he were truly present—as if he had never died!
This has sparked debate among scholars and thinkers regarding the technology’s potential applications and whether its use is permissible or conflicts with religious values. Before addressing these questions and clarifying the concerns surrounding this technology, it is necessary to shed light on several aspects, including:
1- How Hologram Technology Works
This technology displays objects and people in a three-dimensional form using light and laser beams to create a visual effect that appears as a realistic, moving image. The process involves several steps:
- Holographic Imaging: In this stage, an image is recorded using a strong light source, such as a laser beam. This beam is directed toward a divided mirror, splitting it into two main rays. When these beams meet, they create an interference pattern, carrying three-dimensional information about the recorded object.
- Holographic Information Storage: The interference pattern is recorded as a microscopic image that differs from traditional images. It appears as an interwoven pattern of dots and lines that cannot be interpreted by the naked eye. This pattern contains details of dimensions, angles, and depth, which allow the image to be reconstructed when displayed.
- Displaying the Holographic Image: In this stage, the recorded image is reconstructed by shining a specific light source onto the stored pattern. This re-produces the original three-dimensional image, making it appear as though it is floating in the air and allowing it to be viewed from different angles, thus creating a realistic sense of depth and dimension.
2- Applications of Hologram Technology
Due to its high capability in presenting three-dimensional images realistically, impressively, and attractively, this technology has been applied in several fields, including:
- Medical Field: Used in diagnostics and surgeries by displaying 3D images of human organs, aiding in understanding medical conditions and conducting precise operations.
- Education and Training: Employed to explain complex concepts in physics, chemistry, and space sciences by presenting them in an interactive 3D format, helping students and researchers grasp intricate details.
- Entertainment and Media: A notable example is its use in reviving performances of deceased artists like Umm Kulthum, as well as in cinema and theater productions.
- Marketing and Advertising: Retailers use hologram technology to attract customers by displaying products in 3D, allowing consumers to view items from multiple angles in an innovative way.
Additionally, hologram technology is used in various other sectors, such as military applications, engineering and design, tourism and heritage preservation, communications, virtual meetings, astronomy, and space exploration.
3- Benefits of Hologram Technology
This technology offers numerous advantages across different fields. It enhances the display and interaction experience by providing 3D images viewable from multiple angles, creating a more immersive experience compared to traditional screens. It also allows interactive engagement and serves as a valuable training tool for doctors, engineers, pilots, and other professionals by offering realistic 3D models. Architects utilize it to present designs of buildings before construction, while defense and security sectors employ it for military planning and geographical mapping.
4- Disadvantages of Hologram Technology
Despite its numerous benefits, hologram technology has several drawbacks. For instance, it requires high costs due to the need for advanced equipment such as laser beams and processing devices. Moreover, it necessitates a suitable display environment, as excessive or insufficient lighting can affect image quality. Some applications still struggle with image clarity and resolution compared to high-definition screens.
Another challenge is that this technology is not widely accessible in consumer markets, making it exclusive to specific sectors. One of its major drawbacks is the potential misuse for identity fraud by creating holographic replicas of individuals, raising security concerns.
5- Religious Perspective on Hologram Technology
Religious opinions on hologram technology vary. While some see it as a beneficial tool for education, training, and medical use, the primary debate revolves around whether its application aligns with religious values, particularly when used to recreate human figures.
Controversy arose when this technology was used to bring Umm Kulthum back to the stage in a 3D format, astonishing audiences and sparking debates on whether such an application is permissible or forbidden. While opinions differ, the most cautious and correct view is that if this technology is used solely to depict living beings, it is prohibited—not because it constitutes polytheism but because it is a major sin, as it imitates Allah’s creation.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Those who will receive the severest punishment on the day of resurrection will be they who imitate what God has created." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Those who paint pictures would be punished on the Day of Resurrection and it would be said to them: ‘Breathe soul into what you have created.’" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Based on this, hologram technology is similar to photography in that it is not inherently forbidden. However, its prohibition applies when it involves the creation of lifelike representations of living beings, for two key reasons:
1. Imitating the creation of Allah.
2. The potential risk of leading to polytheism.
The question is not whether hologram technology itself is permissible or forbidden, but rather whether the content it presents aligns with religious principles.
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