Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the impact of Islamic beliefs on AI-based system attitudes, considering the mediating role of technology anxiety and the moderating roles of perceived technology risk and religion as an end. As AI is being used more and more in every aspect of life, it is crucial to understand how religious beliefs shape perceptions of AI so that AI adoption can be made ethical and culturally appropriate. Method: A quantitative design was employed, and data were collected from 228 university students with a standardized questionnaire. Established measures from the literature were used to operationalize the variables of interest. Structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS was applied to test the direct, indirect, and moderating effects within the conceptualized framework. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to determine the reliability and validity of the constructs. Findings: The results showed that Islamic beliefs play a major role in influencing students' attitudes towards AI-based systems. Technology anxiety partly mediates the relationship, revealing that religious beliefs influence emotional and cognitive responses to AI. Perceived technology risk and religion as an end also moderate the relationship, which shows that contextual and intrinsic religious factors shape AI perceptions. Originality/Implications: This study enriches AI adoption theories by integrating religious and psychological variables. Findings make theoretical contributions to technology acceptance theory and practical implications for AI developers, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve culturally responsive AI integration.