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Artificial intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities and challenges, particularly when considered through the prism of Islamic precepts on the use of intellect. This nuanced approach calls for a deeper understanding of how AI can align with Islamic teachings, emphasizing the constructive use of intellect, while guarding against its potential misuse.
The role of intellect in Islam
In Islam, intellect is considered a divine gift, pivotal for spiritual growth and moral discernment. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using intellect to understand God's messages and differentiate between right and wrong.
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:100) states, “Say, ‘The bad and the good are not equal, even though the abundance of the bad may impress you.’ So be mindful of Allah, O people of reason, so that you may be successful.” This verse underscores the necessity of employing intellect to appreciate the truth of divine revelations.
Further reinforcing this, Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:19-22) draws a stark comparison: “Is someone who knows that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, like someone who is blind? Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” Similarly, Surah Az-Zumar (39:17-18) and Surah Al-Baqarah (2:121) commend those who follow the best interpretation of divine guidance, marking them as intelligent and rightly guided. These verses collectively highlight the integral role of intellect in Islamic teachings.
Caution against the misuse of intellect
While intellect is a valuable asset, the Quran also warns against its misuse. Surah Al-Mursalat (77:28-33) serves as a cautionary tale, advising believers to guard their intellectual faculties against immoral pursuits. The misuse of intellect, detached from spiritual concerns, can lead to a path of self-destruction and moral decay. This principle is especially relevant in the context of AI, where the potential for misuse is significant.
AI, if not aligned with ethical and spiritual values, can serve self-interest and deviate from Islamic precepts. Surah Al-Kahf (18:28) and Surah Al-Furqan (25:42) caution against following personal desires unchecked by divine guidance, as this leads to moral and spiritual ruin. Thus, AI applications must be developed and deployed with a clear moral compass, ensuring they contribute positively to society and remain within ethical bounds.
The ethical deployment of AI
The ethical deployment of AI in accordance with Islamic principles requires its use for legitimate, well-defined, and controlled purposes under human supervision. AI's potential benefits are immense, particularly in areas like medical research and advancements. For instance, AI can revolutionize healthcare by enabling early diagnosis, personalized treatments, and efficient management of medical resources.
Regulatory frameworks are essential to categorize AI applications, distinguishing between acceptable uses and those posing 'unacceptable risks.' High-risk applications, such as social scoring and biometric categorization, must be rigorously scrutinized and possibly restricted. Pre-market entry requirements can ensure that AI technologies are evaluated for their ethical implications and societal impact before widespread deployment.
Liability concerns also play a crucial role. In cases where AI is used in product design and manufacturing, companies may face strict liability for defects. This necessitates the establishment of robust legal frameworks to address product liability, ensuring that companies are accountable for the safety and reliability of AI-driven products.
AI in Islamic finance
Islamic finance, which relies heavily on innovation and research, stands to benefit significantly from AI's capabilities. AI can enhance research, structure financial products, and aid in developing constructs for implementation. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can identify trends, optimize financial models, and support decision-making processes in Islamic finance.
AI can also be employed in Islamic adjudications, assisting in reviewing, researching, and analyzing case facts within established perspectives. Although Islamic jurisprudence does not place as much emphasis on precedent as Western legal systems, the rulings of the highest courts generally guide lower courts, barring exceptional circumstances. An AI assistant, equipped with comprehensive legal knowledge and analytical prowess, could provide valuable insights and recommendations in legal proceedings.
However, the lack of codified regulations in Islamic jurisprudence poses a limitation for AI applications in this realm. Codified regulations would provide a clear framework for AI analysis, ensuring consistency and reliability in its outputs. Such regulations would also be adopted by the parties involved in disputes, serving as a platform for AI to perform its analysis and synthesis.
Human oversight and ethical considerations
Under no circumstances can AI-generated products or opinions be considered final without thorough scrutiny by qualified jurists. Human oversight is crucial to validate the accuracy and ethical alignment of AI outputs. This ensures that AI applications operate within the bounds of Islamic principles and do not deviate from ethical standards.
The danger of relying solely on AI without human oversight cannot be overstated. Unchecked AI decisions could lead to harmful consequences, undermining the ethical foundations of Islamic teachings. Therefore, AI must be used as a tool to augment human capabilities, not replace them. Its recommendations and analyses should always be subject to human review and validation.
Conclusion: AI as a tool for societal betterment
In conclusion, AI, when used responsibly and ethically, can be a powerful tool for societal betterment. It has the potential to drive innovation, improve healthcare, enhance financial systems, and support legal adjudications. However, its deployment must be carefully managed to ensure alignment with Islamic precepts and ethical standards. By integrating AI within a framework of ethical oversight and spiritual values, it can contribute significantly to human progress and well-being. The challenge lies in harnessing its potential while safeguarding against its misuse, ensuring that AI serves humanity in a manner consistent with Islamic principles.
The author is the Managing Director & CEO of National Bank Limited. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) and the first Certified Sustainability Reporting Assurer (CSRA) in Bangladesh. He is also a post-graduate diploma from the Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance (IIBI), United Kingdom.
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