Artificial intelligence is often likened in significance to historical breakthroughs like the invention of writing or electricity. The rapid and vital pace of progress in artificial intelligence (AI), tough and challenging to keep up with, necessitates a comprehensive understanding. Although it is not yet clear how to calculate its impact on society and individuals as well as its future status, it is of great importance for the future of society and individuals to clarify the nature of the impact of AI. Although AI studies continue to increase rapidly in many fields such as engineering, medicine, health, defense, and science, studies on artificial intelligence in the social sciences, particularly in religious studies, remain limited. Thus, addressing the matter within the context of the artificial intelligence-religion relationship and artificial intelligence-religious studies is appropriate.
To some, artificial intelligence signifies the capacity of computers to think. To others, it is a field of research striving to imbue computers with human-like behavior superior to current human abilities and capabilities. In more general terms, it would not be inaccurate to say that artificial intelligence is a branch of science that develops algorithms enabling computers to emulate the characteristics of human intelligence. This branch of science aims to develop systems that can interpret events, make daily decisions, and produce solutions to problems by exhibiting intelligent behaviors like humans. The ability to understand information, create cause-and-effect relationships, derive information from information, and process information indicate the system's level of intelligence. With this level of intelligence, the computer can exhibit behaviors such as problem-solving, decision-making, reasoning, planning, learning, controlling, monitoring, and diagnosing. Artificial intelligence's scope extends beyond computer science to encompass mathematics, psychology, sociology, biology, and philosophy.
The utilization of scientific tools to fathom and interpret religious life and spiritual encounters invokes reflections on the historic tension between religion and science, predominantly rooted in the Western experience. Nonetheless, the fact that Islamic civilization has experienced this negativity to a minimal extent compared to the West, coupled with the ontic (existential) intellectual value that Islam attributes to knowledge and scholars, establishes a fertile ground for constructing a forward-looking narrative centered around science. At this juncture, the intersection of artificial intelligence and religion underscores the functional role of artificial intelligence. In other words, the issue is to what extent technology and digitalization will be beneficial for human beings, the most honorable of beings. The yardstick here is Islam’s conception of the human being. The preference of Muslim individuals to use the digital technologies offered by AI for spiritual and physical development may even be a religious obligation in certain instances.
The interaction between artificial intelligence and religious sciences can be explored within two frameworks. The first approach is to address the nature of AI through the lenses of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and ethics. Organizations working in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence and ethics should proactively evaluate the use of artificial intelligence both at the technological level as a tool and in the digital world itself. The issue should be evaluated on the basis of Islamic values, taking into account all beings, and the framework for an appropriate future should be drawn. A partial realization of this concept is evident in the actions of the European Commission, which, in April 2018, issued its initial strategy paper on AI to identify potential risks and ethical aspects associated with AI technology. Following this work, the European AI Alliance was established. The European AI Alliance is a forum that brings together different stakeholders, such as companies, consumer organizations, and industry representatives, to discuss AI strategies and evaluate recommendations for the future. In April 2019, Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI were published, outlining seven key principles that AI systems should comply with and these basic principles are as follows: the human factor and supervision, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data protection, transparency, diversity, non-discrimination, and justice, social and environmental benefits, accountability.
Humanity is witnessing poignant instances that highlight to which degree the fundamental principles articulated by the European Commission can apply to both the Western world and other civilizations. Stressing the importance of approaching this matter within the framework of Islamic law and ethics serves to underscore that the endeavors of the mentioned Commission should be undertaken by our corresponding authorities in a more all-encompassing and thorough manner, expeditiously.
The European Commission also published a report on the safety and liability implications of AI in February 2020 (Report on the Safety and Liability Implications of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Robotics). The report demonstrated the need for a foreseeable framework regulation addressing the potential safety issues and liability principles of AI in the European Union. Finally, the Commission published the Commission White Paper on Artificial Intelligence - a European Approach to Excellence and Trust, which provides detailed guidance on how to address the ethical issues identified. The report was submitted for public opinion in February 2020, and the Artificial Intelligence Regulation was published in April 2021, which is the first legal regulation on AI.
The second stage of the interaction between artificial intelligence and religious studies involves the use of AI as a method in the field of religious studies. This entails positioning AI as an instrumental tool to enhance understanding of religion. It involves introducing AI into new realms and dimensions, fostering an environment of creativity and foresight for the future. This involves the construction of a narrative and framework for the future. This phase encompasses the production of software, hardware, algorithms, and applications in accordance with tawhid in all areas for the construction and maintenance of religious life. It is to develop strategies by making prospective predictions about the future of religions with machine learning and artificial intelligence network approaches. This is because the structure or approach that creates the algorithm will claim that it is itself the truth and will construct the understanding of religion of future generations with the religious vision created with these algorithms.
In this critical juncture of witnessing history and standing on the threshold of a new era, we must act swiftly to build realms in accordance with tawhid, maintain a religious perception in accordance with prophethood, and actualize a religious life in accordance with mercy, justice, and wisdom.
