Artificial Intelligence: Between Technical Evolution and Shari’a Responsibility A Contemporary Islamic Vision
The world is currently witnessing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, to the extent that these tools have become integral to various aspects of life—particularly in economics, education, culture, media, and public services.
In the face of this profound transformation, there is an urgent need to examine the dimensions of AI from an ethical and religious perspective that balances leveraging modern achievements with preserving human values and Shari’a (Islamic law) regulations.
In this context, scholars and specialists affirm that AI is a product of human intellect and creativity, falling under the divine indication: "And He creates that which you do not know" (Surah An-Nahl: 8). This verse alludes to emerging scientific and technical innovations that were previously unknown.
Today, AI has become the foundation for many modern applications, such as e-government, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, drones, and other technologies that contribute to facilitating human life.
However, regardless of its significant benefits, this evolution is not without difficulties and potential risks. Therefore, there is a necessity to regulate, control, and monitor the use of AI, taking the required measures to mitigate its negative impacts—especially in sensitive fields related to religion and Fatwa (legal rulings), where this issue must be given special attention.
Artificial Intelligence and Shari’a Fatwa
Scholars and researchers in jurisprudence academies and scientific conferences have reached a consensus that AI can serve as a supportive tool for gathering, analyzing, and classifying Shari’a information, as well as facilitating access to it. However, it is impermissible to rely on it independently to derive Shari’a rulings or issue Fatwas.
Fatwa issuance requires the direct presence of a qualified jurist (faqih), as rulings vary based on the seeker’s circumstances, time, place, customs, and socio-economic conditions. These nuanced human considerations cannot be independently comprehended by AI. Furthermore, a prerequisite for a Mufti in Islamic Shari’a is to be a legally accountable person (mukallaf), a condition that cannot be fulfilled by technical systems.
Consequently, the role of AI in the field of Ifta (issuing rulings) remains supportive rather than substitutive, in application of the verse: "So ask the people of the message if you do not know" (Surah An-Nahl: 43). Trustworthy scholars remain the ultimate reference in issuing rulings and bearing Shari’a responsibility.
Areas of Practical Application for AI
Practical experience, including that of the Fatwa Center under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, has proven that AI can be employed in several fields, most notably:
• Analyzing and Classifying Inquiries: Categorizing incoming Shari’a questions by topic and region and identifying the most frequent ones.
• Speech-to-Text Conversion: Transforming audio questions and answers into written text and storing them in organized databases.
• Supporting Fatwa Experts: Suggesting previously archived answers to experts, which are only sent to the inquirer after review and approval by specialists.
• Enhancing Community Security: Through smart, digital, and safe city projects.
• Combating Corruption: By reducing human intervention in administrative procedures.
• Operating in Hazardous Environments: Utilizing smart technologies in environments that are dangerous or harmful to human health.
• Dawah and Education: Facilitating access to Islamic knowledge, lessons, and sermons, and developing educational content that serves the Muslim Ummah.
• Humanity at the Center of Technical Evolution
Specialists emphasize that humans must remain at the heart of the AI development process, and that these technologies must be managed based on a solid ethical and value-based foundation. Technology is not an end in itself, but a means to serve humanity and facilitate its affairs; it should not become a substitute for man or a tool that controls his destiny.
In this framework, the real challenge lies in reconciling AI with religious requirements, legal standards, and national values, ensuring the achievement of cognitive and technical development without compromising Shari’a and human responsibility.
In conclusion, AI, if used with wisdom and clear regulations, can be a great aid to humanity across various fields. Religious and scientific institutions in the Islamic world—including the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan—affirm their permanent readiness to actively participate in employing these modern technologies to spread Islamic knowledge, foster dialogue between religion and science, and contribute to finding solutions for contemporary global challenges.
The ultimate goal remains to harness the blessings of science and technology for the betterment of humanity, in a manner that pleases Allah the Almighty and reinforces the moral values that are the foundation of stability and progress.
Sheikh Nuriddin Khaliqnazar
“Uthaym” Newspaper: Enlightening development model of New Uzbekistan attracts the attention of the International Community
An analytical article dedicated to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as the state policy aimed at its preservation and transmission to future generations, has been published in the popular Sri Lankan newspaper “Uthaym”, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication highlights the reforms underway in New Uzbekistan to revive national values, protect cultural heritage sites and advance science and education.
As noted in the article, in recent years, one of the priority areas of Uzbekistan's state policy has become the comprehensive improvement of the spiritual and educational sphere, the deep study of the centuries-old scientific and cultural heritage of the people, and its wide popularization in the global community. It is emphasized that systemic work is being carried out in the country to restore historical monuments, modernize the activities of museums and archives, preserve and digitalize manuscript funds, as well as promote national cultural heritage on the international arena.
Particular attention in the article is paid to the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to implement the idea of the Third Renaissance, which is viewed as one of the key strategic directions of the country's development. According to the author, this concept is designed not only to ensure the preservation of historical heritage but also to facilitate the strengthening of the intellectual and spiritual potential of the state through the harmonious development of science, education, culture and innovation.
“In this sense, the concept of the Third Renaissance is viewed as a nationwide program aimed at reviving the great scientific traditions of Uzbekistan, raising an educated and patriotic young generation, as well as further strengthening the country's international prestige”, publication states.
Furthermore, the publication highlights Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations in the field of cultural heritage protection, alongside the country's efforts to preserve historical monuments and harmoniously develop international tourism and scientific research.
As the “Uthaym” newspaper notes, enlightening development model of New Uzbekistan arouses growing interest and attracts increasingly close attention from the international community.
