As Muslims, you must be certain that these AI platforms don’t spread harm or propaganda – just like you shouldn’t gossip or bicker, which is prohibited by the Quran (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12).
The Future of AI in the Muslim World.
AI is already on the frontlines of investment in large Muslim-majority countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Dubai, for instance, has embraced AI across public and healthcare, ensuring AI aligns with Islam. Yet, as AI increases, so does the debate over AI ethics in Islam.
Muslim scholars are beginning to question the implications of AI, such as choice, responsibility and whether robots should be given human rights. (Robots probably won’t be fasting this Ramadan any time soon).
Artificial intelligence and medicine are two prominent areas of focus. Imagine an AI system that enables doctors to diagnose more efficiently and effectively in line with the Islamic values of empathy and concern. Or AI-driven apps that teach how to pray properly, even in remote places. There are already positive impacts of AI in Islamic education, allowing students to learn the Quran by heart and the history of Islam via interactive learning tools. These are just a few ways were AI and Islam could work together if the technology is deployed properly.
Warning: With That Excitement, Be A Little Careful.
The rewards are obvious, but Islamic experts warn of the dangers. AI isn’t a safe technology, it needs to be used cautiously. Muslims still debate whether AI should make human-level decisions about how to act or not. Is it, for example, possible for a robot to issue fatwas (Islamic rulings)? Not anytime soon. The rules of fiqh (Islamic law) demand human intellectuals who are fully attuned to liminal conditions and the wisdom of Allah.
To Wrap It Up: AI and Islam – Good or bad?
The quick answer is good – with a great deal of dua (prayer) and caution. AI and Islam can go hand in hand, as long as technology is used ethically, compassionately and with respect for Islamic ideals. Muslims are asked to approach these technologies critically so that they serve humanity and are not injurious to religion.