What Does Islam Say About Ai and Technology?

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

In today's fast-paced world, Artificial Intelligence (Ai) and technology have become an essential part of our lives. From voice assistants to self-driving cars, Ai is transforming industries and how we interact with the world. But what does Islam say about Ai and technological advancements? Is it permissible, and how should Muslims approach this modern innovation?

Islam and the Pursuit of Knowledge

Islam has always encouraged the pursuit of knowledge, both religious and scientific. The Quran and Hadith emphasize learning, innovation, and discovering the wonders of Allah’s creation.

“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’” (Quran 39:9)

This means that advancements in technology, including Ai, should be seen as an opportunity for growth and learning, as long as they align with Islamic ethics.

Ai as a Tool, Not a Replacement for Humans

In Islam, humans are considered Allah’s vicegerents (Khalifah) on Earth, given intelligence and free will to make moral choices. Ai, while powerful, lacks consciousness, morality, and accountability—all qualities that make humans unique.

Technology should be viewed as a tool that serves humanity rather than something that replaces human values or responsibilities. Ai can assist in tasks, improve efficiency, and even aid in Islamic studies (such as Quran learning apps), but it should never override human decision-making or ethical considerations.

Ethical Considerations in Ai and Technology

Islamic teachings emphasize justice, honesty, and responsibility. As Ai becomes more powerful, it raises ethical concerns, such as:

Bias and Fairness: Ai should not promote discrimination or injustice.

Privacy: Islam values personal privacy. Ai must respect data protection laws and avoid unauthorized surveillance.

Job Replacement: Technology should enhance human productivity rather than eliminate job opportunities unfairly.

Truthfulness: Ai-generated content (such as deepfakes or misinformation) should not be used to deceive people.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever cheats is not one of us.” (Muslim)

This highlights the moral responsibility of developers and users of AI to ensure fairness, transparency, and truth in how it is used.

Can Ai Be Used for Islamic Purposes?

Ai is already being used in ways that support Islamic learning and practice. Some examples include:

Quran Apps & Ai Recitation Assistants – Ai helps improve Tajweed and Quran memorization.

Islamic Chatbots – Answering common religious queries based on verified Islamic sources.

Prayer Time & Qibla Finder Apps – Ai-powered tools for accurate Islamic practices.

Automated Zakat Calculators – Helping Muslims calculate their Zakat easily.

As long as Ai aligns with Islamic values, it can be a powerful tool to spread knowledge and make daily Islamic practices more accessible.

The Future of Ai in an Islamic Perspective

Islam does not oppose technological advancements as long as they serve humanity ethically. Scholars emphasize that Ai should be guided by Islamic morals and responsibilities to ensure it remains a force for good.

Muslims should take an active role in shaping the future of Ai by:

Promoting ethical Ai development.

Using technology for good and beneficial purposes.

Avoiding any misuse that goes against Islamic principles.

How Hakma Uses Technology to Enhance Islamic Learning

One great example of technology being used for Islamic education is Hakma, a digital platform designed to make learning Islam fun and engaging for kids.

How does Hakma leverage technology?

Interactive Islamic Quizzes – Quiz challenges with peers to help kids test and improve their knowledge.

Storytelling  – The app offers engaging Islamic stories designed to spark curiosity and build moral values.

Personalized Learning – Records each child’s progress, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

Engaging Visuals & Gamification – Kids stay motivated with colorful animations, badges, and rewards.

Hakma is proof that technology and Islam can go hand in hand, helping children develop a strong foundation in their faith while having fun.

Explore Hakma today for FREE and see how technology is making Islamic learning smarter and more engaging!

Available on both Appstore and Playstore