By Sheikh Alie Kallay
Email: mjournalsl@gmail.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant technological developments of the modern age. Its growing influence on education, research, communication, healthcare, business, and other aspects of human life has raised important questions about its ethical and religious implications. For Muslims, one fundamental question is whether the use of artificial intelligence is permissible under Islamic law.
From the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence, the use of AI is generally permissible, provided it does not involve activities prohibited by the Shari’ah (Islamic law) and is employed in ways that promote human welfare. In Islamic legal terminology, this principle falls under Mubāḥ—an act that is permissible, neither inherently prohibited nor obligatory.
A fundamental principle of Islamic jurisprudence is that matters are generally considered permissible unless there is sound evidence establishing their prohibition. This principle provides a useful starting point for examining emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, discussed this principle in his Majmū‘al-Fatāwā (Vol. 21, p. 528). His wider legal discussions emphasise the importance of evidence in determining whether an act is permissible or prohibited.
Islamic jurisprudence also recognises the importance of protecting human welfare and preventing harm. Consequently, a technology that offers genuine benefits may be used for legitimate purposes, while its application in ways that cause injustice, deception, or injury must be assessed in light of Islamic legal and ethical principles.
The broader objectives of the Shari’ah include safeguarding religion, life, intellect, family, and property. These objectives provide a framework for assessing the benefits and potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Therefore, Muslims should not reject AI simply because it is a modern invention; rather, they should evaluate its applications according to the principles of Islamic law.
However, the permissibility of AI does not mean that every use of the technology is acceptable. Artificial intelligence must not become an instrument for spreading falsehood, fabricating evidence, impersonating individuals, violating privacy, committing fraud, or undermining public safety and national security. Nor should it be used to defame people, manipulate public opinion through deception, or promote other forms of wrongdoing.
The guiding principle is clear: the use of artificial intelligence should be directed towards beneficial purposes and governed by Islamic ethical values. When employed responsibly and in accordance with the Shari’ah, AI can serve as a valuable instrument for human development.
Islam’s Emphasis on Knowledge and Learning
Although the expression artificial intelligence belongs to the modern technological age, the Islamic tradition places great importance on knowledge, learning, research, and intellectual development. The fact that earlier Muslim scholars did not use today’s terminology does not prevent contemporary scholars from examining new technologies through established principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
The first verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasize the importance of reading and learning. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Read in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clinging substance. Read and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not.” The Holy Qur’an, 96:1–5
These verses establish a profound connection between Islam and the pursuit of knowledge. The reference to the pen highlights the importance of learning, writing, teaching, and the transmission of information across generations.
In the contemporary world, artificial intelligence can support these activities by helping people access information, organise research, translate languages, analyse data, and develop educational materials. It can also assist teachers, students, researchers, journalists, and professionals in carrying out their responsibilities more efficiently.
Nevertheless, the availability of information does not automatically guarantee that it is accurate or beneficial. Muslims who use AI must exercise discernment, verify information, and ensure that the knowledge they acquire or disseminate is consistent with truth and ethical responsibility.
The Honour of Scholars in Islam
Islam accords a distinguished position to scholars and people of knowledge. The Qur’an repeatedly encourages reflection, understanding, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Allah says: “Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those of knowledge—[that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” The Holy Qur’an, 3:18
This verse demonstrates the elevated status of knowledge and those who possess it. It also reminds humanity that knowledge must be accompanied by justice, wisdom, and recognition of the truth.
Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for that person Sahih Muslim
This Prophetic teaching reinforces the importance of seeking beneficial knowledge and pursuing learning as a means of spiritual and intellectual development.
Knowledge in Islam is not confined to religious instruction alone. While understanding the Qur’an, Sunnah, Islamic creed, and jurisprudence remains essential, beneficial knowledge also encompasses disciplines that contribute to human welfare, provided they are pursued and applied within lawful and ethical boundaries.
Medicine, engineering, agriculture, education, communication, scientific research, and information technology can all contribute to the wellbeing of society. Artificial intelligence, as a modern technological tool, may similarly support beneficial learning and development.
Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Human Development
Artificial intelligence refers broadly to computer systems designed to perform tasks commonly associated with human intelligence. Depending on their capabilities, these systems can process information, recognise patterns, generate text and images, translate languages, answer questions, and assist with complex problem-solving.
AI does not replace the full range of human intelligence, moral responsibility, wisdom, or spiritual understanding. Rather, it provides tools that can support certain intellectual and practical tasks.
For Muslims, the central question is therefore not simply whether artificial intelligence exists, but how it is developed, accessed, and used. A technology’s potential benefits must be weighed against its risks, and its applications must be guided by honesty, accountability, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
For example, AI can assist Islamic educators in preparing teaching materials, help researchers organise references, support journalists in editing their work, and enable students to explore unfamiliar subjects. It may also help organisations improve service delivery and make educational resources more accessible.
At the same time, users must be cautious about AI-generated errors, fabricated quotations, misleading religious interpretations, and inaccurate references to the Qur’an and Hadith. Artificial intelligence should not be treated as an unquestionable authority on Islamic rulings. Questions requiring specialised religious knowledge should be referred to qualified scholars, while claims and citations produced by AI must be independently verified.
Responsible Use Is the Key
The Islamic position on artificial intelligence must be understood through the distinction between a tool and the purposes for which it is used. A tool may serve beneficial or harmful ends depending on the intentions, methods, and consequences of its application.
Consequently, Muslims should use AI to promote education, research, innovation, public welfare, and legitimate economic development. They should also respect intellectual property, protect confidential information, avoid plagiarism and fraud, and disclose AI assistance where professional, academic, or institutional rules require it.
Governments, educational institutions, religious organisations, media practitioners, and technology developers also have a responsibility to encourage the ethical use of AI. Appropriate safeguards are necessary to reduce misinformation, protect vulnerable people, and prevent the misuse of increasingly powerful digital tools.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence should remain a means of serving humanity rather than an instrument of exploitation or deception. Its value must be judged not merely by its technical capabilities, but also by the purposes it serves and the consequences it produces.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges for the Muslim community. Its applications can support education, scientific research, communication, and other forms of beneficial development. At the same time, its misuse can threaten truth, privacy, justice, and public trust.
From an Islamic jurisprudential perspective, AI can generally be used for lawful and beneficial purposes, provided its applications do not violate the principles of the Shari’ah. This position reflects the importance Islam places on beneficial knowledge, the prevention of harm, and the promotion of human welfare.
Muslims should therefore approach artificial intelligence with neither unconditional acceptance nor unnecessary fear. Instead, they should engage with it critically, responsibly, and ethically, drawing upon the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the established principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
The ultimate objective should be to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes a means of advancing beneficial knowledge, promoting justice, and serving humanity in accordance with the teachings and values of Islam.
