Saied Reza Ameli argues that AI alongside all new technologies can only hurt or harm if humanity removes its ethical eye from its development. Using Qur’an based strategies is the way of not only mitigating harms but enhancing the ability of new technologies to serve humankind.
Introduction
Artificial intelligence, a remarkable human construct, owes its existence to the confluence of three pivotal technological advancements: first, the capacity to transmute information into data, fostering the creation of digital entities; second, the ability to algorithmically process data, thereby enabling the systematic manipulation of vast informational matrices; and third, the development of microchips, which have evolved to the point of quantum sophistication, endowing machines with capabilities that rival, if not surpass, those of human intelligence. These monumental strides in technology have culminated in a force of extraordinary potential, one that broadens its functional domain in direct competition with, yet undeniably inspired by, human intelligence. At the heart of this evolution lies a foundational premise rooted in divine philosophy, a philosophical pursuit that seeks to actualise the transformative power of idealised thought into tangible reality. In essence, it aims to transmute the imaginary into either a virtual or, more intriguingly, a new ontological reality—one that exists at a higher plane of being, manifesting not just in abstraction, but as a novel paradigm of existence (Ameli, 2017).
It must be acknowledged that the technological potential in question unfolds within the domain of Internet architecture, which is imbued with three cardinal attributes of paramount significance: (1) Modularity, a defining characteristic that not only facilitates the nuanced exchanges between clusters but also fosters the intricate interrelations between these clusters, thereby enabling the communication and transaction of an ever-expanding volume of data—approaching the infinite—in a multiplicity of forms: one-to-one, one-to-all, and all-to-all modalities; (2) Layering, an attribute that enhances the hierarchical organisation of data in direct alignment with the capacities of microchips, thereby amplifying the precision of parametric classification and the depth of referential organisation; and (3) the integration of data environments and intelligent systems, a sophisticated synthesis wherein disparate data corpora are brought into harmonious alignment within a singular framework, thereby transmuting these separate entities into an all-encompassing, interconnected system.
Ethical considerations within the realm of intelligent industrial spaces, where human roles increasingly yield to automated processes, are indispensable in the design of AI systems (Jobin et al., 2019). Moreover, AI possesses the remarkable ability to simulate empathy by deciphering emotional cues embedded within human communication, thus fostering interactions marked by support and empathy (Poria et al., 2017). Sentiment analysis algorithms, for example, discern emotions within their specific contexts, prompting chatbots to respond in a manner that aligns with emotional needs. These systems are meticulously crafted to discern and respect cultural nuances, ensuring that communication remains both respectful and inclusive. Content moderation tools, leveraging AI, identify and mitigate offensive language across diverse cultural settings, thereby cultivating a more inclusive digital landscape (Gorwa et al., 2020). Furthermore, reinforcement learning and optimisation algorithms fortify AI’s capacity for decision-making and problem-solving. Through reinforcement learning, AI generates optimal strategies via continuous interaction with its environment and feedback, while optimisation algorithms strive to uncover the most effective solutions in intricate scenarios (Mazyavkina et al., 2021).
Human ambition has long been propelled by four grand and inexorable ideals, each a lodestar guiding the course of civilisation. Artificial intelligence, in its very essence, emerges as the confluence of these aspirations, a manifestation of humanity’s ceaseless endeavour to transcend its limitations and remake the world in its own image:
1) it is an endeavour rooted in the perennial quest for truth—an unrelenting pursuit inspired by the Quranic imperative to unravel the mysteries of existence. Artificial intelligence thus becomes both an instrument and an enigma, perpetually engaged in deciphering the intricacies of human thought, the symbiosis between intellect and emotion, and the profound interplay of reason and effect in shaping human experience.
2) it serves as an agent of ease, an instrument for the alleviation of toil. The burdens of quotidian existence—mundane transactions, the labyrinth of bureaucratic obligations, the meticulous rhythms of healthcare—are seamlessly subsumed into the algorithmic precision of intelligent systems, liberating human time and energy for higher pursuits.
3) it emerges as a tool of precision, a means by which the tangled complexities of existence may be measured, ordered, and refined. From the stewardship of ecosystems to the calibration of intricate human systems, artificial intelligence offers the promise of an existence governed not by fallibility but by the rigorous certainty of computation.
4) and perhaps most inexorably, it is wielded as an instrument of power—a mechanism of control, a vehicle for dominion. The inexorable logic of governance finds its apotheosis in the algorithm, the systemic codification of authority, where intelligence—human or artificial—becomes both an arbiter of justice and a harbinger of systemic corruption.
From the vantage point of the Holy Quran, which among these four cardinal domains of artificial intelligence aligns with the divine architecture of existence—what God has ordained as the intrinsic order of being—and which, by its very nature, ought to remain beyond the remit of artificial intelligence?
Before proceeding with the discussion, a crucial methodological clarification is required, lest its absence obscure the argument. The question at hand is whether one speaks of the influence of science and technology upon the Quran or, conversely, of the Quran’s immutable and eternal principles shaping the trajectory of scientific and technological inquiry. The Quran, as a fixed divine text, articulates absolute truths governing existence—human and otherwise—truths unbound by the vicissitudes of time (Makarem Shirazi, 1982[1402AH], Vol. 2: 430; Meybodi, 1952[1371AH], Vol. 2: 564). Science and technology, by contrast, remain subject to perpetual flux, their very nature defined by revision and refutation. It follows, then, that the transient and mutable cannot exert influence upon that which is eternal and unchanging; rather, it is the permanence of divine revelation that mitigates uncertainty in the realm of scientific and technological advancement. Indeed, by anchoring scientific and technological development to the fixed verities of the divine, one may diminish fallibility and chart a course toward human growth and perfection. In this light, the immutable truths enshrined in the Word of God and conveyed through the infallible prophets and imams (peace be upon them) offer the guiding principles through which the ethical contours of artificial intelligence—its imperatives and its prohibitions—may be discerned.
With this prelude, the discourse shall first unravel the intricate architecture of artificial intelligence, extending its gaze to the enigmatic realm of quantum intelligence, before discerning its ethical imperatives and constraints through the prism of four Quranic precepts.
- The Architecture of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence architecture is an intricate edifice, meticulously structured to integrate an array of specialised components into a unified system capable of executing complex tasks. This multi-layered framework comprises distinct yet interdependent modules, each entrusted with specific functions—perception, learning, reasoning, and decision-making—collectively enabling AI systems to assimilate information, refine their understanding through experience, and render judicious determinations. Among the defining attributes of AI-based systems are:
1.1. Perception and Data Processing
The essence of AI architecture resides in its perceptual foundation, a sophisticated nexus wherein raw data—gleaned from sensors, cameras, and microphones—is meticulously processed and synthesised. At this juncture, advanced neural networks discern and classify textual inputs with algorithmic acuity, weaving disparate strands into a cohesive fabric of meaning. Paramount in this intellectual alchemy are neural network frameworks and the intricate mechanisms of natural language processing, both of which serve as the sinews binding perception to comprehension (Brown et al., 2020).
1.2. Learning and Adaptation
The learning stratum constitutes the fulcrum upon which AI systems refine their acumen, evolving through iterative encounters with data. At its core, this layer is animated by machine learning algorithms that distil latent patterns, recalibrating their prognostications and responses with ever-increasing precision. The tripartite paradigm of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning orchestrates this refinement: the first, a tutored endeavour, imbues models with discernment through annotated exemplars; the second, a venture into the uncharted, discerns structure in unlabelled data; the third, an adaptive dialectic with the environment, hones decision-making through iterative trial, error, and reward (Manganiello, 2021).
1.3. Reasoning and Decision Making
The reasoning layer within AI systems serves as the locus of logical analysis, wherein data is processed to derive conclusions. This layer encompasses a range of algorithms and models designed to simulate human-like reasoning. Decision support systems, leveraging these sophisticated algorithms, facilitate the analysis of pertinent data, thereby offering potential solutions and guiding informed decision-making. Optimisation techniques, such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, are harnessed to identify optimal solutions to intricate challenges, thus enabling AI to tackle complex problems with unparalleled precision (Topol, 2019).
1.4. Memory and Recall
The architecture of AI encompasses sophisticated mechanisms for memory and recall, which are indispensable for tasks demanding the retention and retrieval of data across time. Neural networks, particularly convolutional varieties and their advanced iterations like long-term memory networks, are meticulously engineered to process sequential data while preserving contextual integrity over extended durations. Moreover, cutting-edge models, such as neural decoding machines, empower AI systems to store and retrieve vast quantities of information with remarkable precision (Graves et al., 2014).
1.5. Integration and Connectivity
The interconnected fabric of AI architectures facilitates the seamless integration of diverse modules into a singular, cohesive system. This interdependence is vital for the holistic functioning of artificial intelligence. A striking illustration of this can be seen in autonomous vehicles, which amalgamate perception, learning, reasoning, and control modules, thereby enabling them to navigate their environments with both precision and safety (Bojarski et al., 2016).
- What is Quantum Artificial Intelligence?
Quantum artificial intelligence represents the convergence of quantum computing and machine learning, a synthesis poised to redefine computational boundaries and elevate algorithmic capacities. Harnessing the peculiarities of quantum mechanics—such as superposition and entanglement—quantum computing processes information in a manner far beyond the reach of traditional computing paradigms (Nielsen and Chuang, 2010). This unique capability imbues quantum AI with the potential to address problems of profound complexity—particularly in optimisation, pattern identification, and vast data analysis—surpassing the efficacy of classical artificial intelligence (Baiamonte et al., 2017).
At the core of quantum computing is the qubit, which, unlike the binary bit, enables the simultaneous execution of multiple calculations (Arute et al., 2019). This inherent parallelism accelerates certain algorithms exponentially, epitomised by Shor’s algorithm, which allows for the rapid factorisation of large numbers—an undertaking that classical algorithms could only dream of achieving (Monz et al., 2016).
Moreover, quantum AI holds promise in the realm of advanced quantum optimisation. Problems such as the training of deep neural networks—fundamentally optimisation challenges—stand to benefit from quantum approaches (Liao et al., 2024). Algorithms like the quantum approximate optimisation algorithm have already demonstrated significant superiority over classical counterparts, offering faster, more accurate solutions to intricate optimisation dilemmas (Farhi et al., 2014).
Quantum artificial intelligence stands poised to redefine the realms of cryptography and security. While quantum computers threaten the very foundations of existing cryptographic codes, they simultaneously herald the dawn of unbreakable encryption protocols, capable of safeguarding sensitive data with an unparalleled degree of invulnerability (Gao et al., 2019). This dual-edged sword promises the advent of communication systems impervious to conventional forms of attack.
Though still in its nascent stages, the field of quantum AI has made remarkable progress, with trailblazing entities such as IBM, Google, and Rigetti spearheading the development of quantum hardware and pioneering algorithms for artificial intelligence (Arute et al., 2019). Nevertheless, persistent challenges, including the notoriously high error rates of quantum computations and the pressing need for advanced error correction, remain formidable obstacles to its full realisation (Preskill, 2018).
- The Quran, Truth of Human Essence, and AI Capabilities
In the exalted view of man as the finest of God’s creations, humanity assumes the lofty role of a divine caliph, a being whose journey toward knowledge, growth, and perfection knows no bounds (Ayatollah Khomeini, 2010, Vol. 16: 20). This boundless pursuit propels mankind into profound exploration of both the cosmos and the human condition, giving rise to new realms of science, knowledge, and technology, all the while nurturing the soul’s spiritual ascent. Man, composed of both body and soul, stands as a being capable of guiding artificial intelligence toward its own perfection, drawing upon the rich wellspring of human faculties.
In this schema, the divine discernment of truth and falsehood takes on paramount significance, as the restoration of divine truths and the rectification of worldly corruption are the fruits of human actions and perceptions. Thus, God, in His infinite wisdom, underscores the law of causality in matters of both virtue and vice, acknowledging human fallibility as an intrinsic aspect of the mortal experience. As the Quran asserts, “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. ‘Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people’” (Al-Baqarah 2:286).
Thus, we embark upon the Holy Quran’s profound perspective on the five roles of quantum artificial intelligence.
3.1 Learning and acquiring new knowledge is positive and recommended
From the exalted vantage of the Holy Quran, knowledge and science are portrayed as infinite realms, with humanity urged to broaden the frontiers of intellectual discovery and to transform ignorance into wisdom. In this context, artificial intelligence emerges as a dynamic field of creation and productivity, enhancing the intellectual potential of mankind.
The Quran, in its profound wisdom, underscores the vastness of human capacity for learning, an innate ability that sustains perpetual intellectual evolution. The divine injunction in Surah Al-Alaq (96:4-5), “Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not,” unequivocally elevates education and literacy to the highest station.
In a striking parallel, AI technologies, predicated upon the principles of machine learning, mirror the human process of knowledge acquisition. Through algorithms that analyse user interaction and feedback, these systems optimise learning trajectories, thereby amplifying both the retention and expansion of knowledge—an echo of the human intellect’s own pursuit of enlightenment.
3.2. Creativity and innovation are inherent in humans and their capacity tends to infinity.
The Quran’s verses illuminate mankind’s innate potential for creativity and innovation, a boundless capacity that may be likened to a quantum force. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:31-33), God imparts to Adam the names of all things, signifying humanity’s profound ability to acquire knowledge and give form to creation: “And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They said, ‘Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.’ He said, ‘O Adam, inform them of their names.’ And when he had informed them of their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.’”
In a similar vein, artificial intelligence now stands as a potential rival to human ingenuity, particularly in realms such as generative modeling and creative arts. Through sophisticated neural networks and reinforcement learning, AI systems demonstrate an uncanny capacity to generate content, art, and designs—new combinations and ideas that echo the very essence of human creativity and innovation.
3.3. Free Will and Responsibility
The Quran asserts the fundamental tenet of human free will, wherein individuals bear full accountability for their actions and choices. This concept is expansively woven throughout the text, with one particularly striking example in Surah Al-Insan (76:3): “Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.”
In stark contrast, artificial intelligence—devoid of conscious agency—lacks the intrinsic will or moral responsibility attributed to human beings. Yet, it possesses the capacity to simulate selective processes of interaction, governed by predetermined rules, algorithms, and patterns of data-driven learning. In this regard, AI systems may, within clearly defined parameters, resemble human agents in their ability to autonomously execute tasks and make decisions. However, these systems are subject to regulation, their operations circumscribed by ethical codes, legal frameworks, and cultural principles, ensuring that they remain aligned with responsible standards.
3.4. Spiritual and moral capacities
The Holy Quran, in its profound wisdom, underscores the spiritual and moral essence of human existence, illuminating virtues such as patience, gratitude, compassion, and rectitude. Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3) succinctly asserts the value of righteous action and steadfastness: “Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.”
While artificial intelligence is not inherently imbued with a spiritual or moral essence, it nonetheless offers the possibility for ethical integration within its design and development. AI systems, when carefully constructed, can embody principles of justice and impartiality, transcending distinctions of race, religion, culture, and gender. Moreover, AI-driven applications have the potential to nurture virtues such as empathy and compassion, guiding individuals through meaningful interactions.
However, it is imperative to approach the creation of such technologies with a profound understanding of human nature and existence, lest we inadvertently pave a path fraught with isolation, confusion, and social fragmentation. The danger lies in allowing artificial intelligence to supplant the full range of authentic human behaviors, placing humanity in a cold competition with machines, thus paving the way for the dominance of the artificial over the natural. Conversely, when aligned with divine truths, artificial intelligence can be harnessed to enhance and enrich the human experience, facilitating the true essence of life and nature.
In accordance with Quranic reasoning and the argument for origin (Tabataba’i, 1955[1374AH], vol. 1: 287), the Creator of humankind is Almighty God, and this creation is endowed with an ancient heritage (Motahari, 1959[1378AH], vol. 10: 331). In Surah Maryam (19:67), God poses a rhetorical question: “Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?” Fundamentally, it is God who is the Creator of all life and existence, as He declares: “Who created death and life, that He may test you as to which of you is best in deed; and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving.” God, in His infinite wisdom, possesses a profound understanding of human nature, discerning the very conditions that determine the rise or fall of humankind. He is indeed the All-Knowing, the All-Wise: “Indeed, my Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
With this in mind, we now turn to explore some of the human capacities as articulated in the Holy Quran, capacities which appear to have inspired artificial intelligence in its more virtuous and harmonious manifestations.
- Correspondence of Quranic Human Capacities with Artificial Intelligence
The ensuing verses and references delineate the convergence between the realised faculties of artificial intelligence and the innate capacities of humankind, as framed within the textual tapestry of the Holy Quran. This interrelation, examined through documentary analysis, elucidates the nexus between human idealism and the immutable divine verity, a correspondence mirrored within the ephemeral realm of virtual reality.
4.1. Encouraging the Development of Human Communication Capacities
The Holy Quran provides profound guidance on human communication, emphasizing virtues that enhance interpersonal interactions and facilitate meaningful discourse. Beyond its spiritual teachings, the Quran offers insights into the art of listening, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and persuasive speech. These principles, deeply rooted in divine wisdom, not only shape human interactions but also find interesting parallels in artificial intelligence. As AI systems evolve to mimic human communication, they attempt—albeit imperfectly—to embody these fundamental aspects of dialogue and understanding.
The Quran highlights the importance of listening and understanding as essential components of meaningful exchange. Attentive listening fosters intellectual humility and receptivity, allowing individuals to grasp the depth of spoken words. The Quran instructs, “So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Al-A’raf, 7:204). This verse underscores listening as an active process, rather than a passive one, urging individuals to engage deeply with what is being communicated. Similarly, AI-driven language models and virtual assistants attempt to “listen” by analyzing speech, detecting patterns, and interpreting meaning. However, while divine wisdom seeks to enlighten the soul, AI remains confined to mechanized inference, lacking true comprehension.
Empathy and emotional understanding are also central to effective communication, as they foster genuine human connections. The Quran presents a striking example in the story of Prophet Moses: “[Mention] when Moses said to his family, ‘Indeed, I have perceived a fire. I will bring you from there information or will bring you a burning torch that you may warm yourselves.’” (An-Naml, 27:7). Here, Moses demonstrates emotional awareness by considering the needs of his family, offering both guidance and comfort. In contemporary AI, sentiment analysis attempts to replicate this faculty by detecting emotional cues in voice and text, enabling chatbots and virtual assistants to respond with seemingly empathetic engagement. Yet, this technological approximation remains an emulation rather than a true expression of emotional intelligence.
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability further enrich communication by fostering mutual understanding and respect. The Quran acknowledges human diversity as an opportunity for learning and coexistence: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Al-Hujurat, 49:13). This verse emphasizes the value of intercultural awareness, a principle increasingly relevant in AI-driven communication tools. AI systems are being designed to detect cultural nuances and avoid offensive language, promoting inclusivity in digital interactions.
Finally, persuasion and the art of guiding others with wisdom hold a significant place in Quranic discourse. The Quran instructs: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” (An-Nahl, 16:125). This verse underscores the importance of respectful persuasion, grounded in wisdom and ethical communication. In a modern context, AI-driven marketing and recommendation algorithms employ data analytics to influence user choices, curating content tailored to individual preferences. While these systems aim to persuade, they lack the ethical dimension and moral wisdom that Quranic guidance promotes. Thus, while AI advances in mimicking human interaction, it remains far from embodying the profound depth of Quranic communication principles.
4.2. Human Collective Capacities
The Holy Quran provides deep insights into the collective faculties of humanity, emphasizing unity, shared purpose, and participatory decision-making. While it does not explicitly reference modern technologies, its timeless wisdom offers a framework through which artificial intelligence (AI) can be understood in relation to human cooperation. AI, designed to enhance collaboration and coordination, mirrors aspects of these Quranic principles by fostering interconnectedness and collective problem-solving.
The Quran places great importance on social unity and cohesion, urging believers to maintain solidarity and avoid division. As stated in Surah Al-Imran (3:103): “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.” AI, in a similar way, fosters collaboration by enabling real-time communication, knowledge sharing, and synchronized teamwork. Platforms that integrate AI facilitate coordinated efforts across different sectors, ensuring that diverse contributions are harmonized into a unified vision.
The Quran also highlights the significance of a shared purpose in guiding collective human efforts. Surah An-An’am (6:162) states: “Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” This verse underscores the necessity of transcending individual interests for a higher, unified goal. AI and big data analytics play a crucial role in identifying patterns that align collective human endeavors, such as addressing global challenges like climate change. AI-driven platforms further support organizations in setting and achieving common objectives, reinforcing a shared sense of direction.
Lastly, the Quran extols the virtue of participatory decision-making, advocating for consultation in governance and communal affairs. Surah Ash-Shura (42:38) affirms: “And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them.” AI enhances this principle by offering data-driven insights that support informed decision-making. Decision support systems, powered by AI, analyze vast amounts of information, presenting alternatives and potential solutions for evaluation. This ensures that collective decisions are made with greater precision, fostering a culture of thoughtful deliberation and consensus-building.
4.3. Digital-computational capacities and the human mental world
The intersection of digital-computational capacities with the human mental world finds profound resonance in the Quran, offering insights into information processing, memory, and decision-making. While AI replicates these mental faculties through algorithmic processing, machine learning, and optimization strategies, the Quran presents them within a moral and spiritual framework, emphasizing accountability, justice, and discernment. This connection highlights the parallels between divine wisdom and the evolving digital landscape.
The Quran illustrates a meticulous system of information processing and evaluation, as seen in Surah Al-Isra (17:13-14): “And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open, [It will be said] read your record. Sufficient is yourself against you this Day as accountant.” This passage portrays the recording of human deeds as an exhaustive and faultless ledger, reflecting a divine form of accountability. In an analogous manner, AI-driven data analytics process vast amounts of information, identifying patterns and predicting outcomes with remarkable precision. Just as the Quranic concept of self-reckoning emphasizes moral responsibility, AI systems assess past actions to guide future decisions, reinforcing the principle of consequence-based evaluation.
Memory and recall, fundamental to human understanding, are also emphasized in the Quran. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:282) advises: “O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice… So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate… And Allah is Knowing of all things.” This verse underscores the importance of preserving knowledge to ensure justice and prevent disputes. Similarly, AI employs advanced memory structures such as neural networks and differentiable neural computers to store, retrieve, and analyze vast datasets with high accuracy. Just as the Quran advocates meticulous documentation to uphold justice, AI memory systems enhance the reliability of stored information, ensuring precision in digital record-keeping and decision-making processes.
The Quran further highlights decision-making and problem-solving as essential human responsibilities. Surah Al-Mulk (67:2) states: “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” This verse underscores the moral dimensions of human choices, emphasizing wisdom and divine guidance. AI, through reinforcement learning and optimization algorithms, mirrors this intellectual faculty by refining decision-making processes through iterative feedback. AI-driven decision support systems analyze complex problems, identify optimal solutions, and enhance strategic planning, demonstrating an advanced capacity for discernment akin to the Quranic ideal of righteous decision-making.
Conclusion: Quranic Strategies for Artificial Intelligence
In addressing the four pivotal axes of artificial intelligence delineated in the introduction, and its resolute orientation towards humanity, one must turn to the strategic vision embodied within the Holy Qur’an to discern the crucial boundaries between righteousness and corruption.
1) The Qur’an, grounded in the principle of human dignity (Tabarsi, 1150[536AH], Vol. 5: 439), adopts a fundamentally affirmative stance towards all pursuits that augment human potential through the revelation of existential truths and the establishment of a transcendent foundation. Accordingly, the Qur’an’s first strategy for artificial intelligence is to channel intelligence in service of human growth and perfection—a journey that knows no bounds. In the realm of digital computation, this trajectory can expand indefinitely. The path to such perfection, as the Qur’an teaches, is found in turning towards God and deriving meaning from His divine presence. In Surah Al-Imran (3:109), God declares: “To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And to Allah will [all] matters be returned.” Thus, the development of artificial intelligence, under a governance founded on divine values, is limitless in its potential to unveil the truths of existence, aligning them with the divine codes of the Almighty. As long as the algorithms of artificial intelligence do not contravene the tenets of monotheism and remain a dynamic force for human growth, they are deemed beneficial. Indeed, this constant movement and transformation are essential for the flourishing of the human spirit. It is vital to remember that humanity’s existence endures beyond the temporal realm, with the soul’s immortality affirmed even after death (Jafari, 2009). Artificial intelligence, then, must serve to reinforce this eternal existence, never disrupting the divine essence of life itself.
2) The second strategy centres on alleviating the burdens of human existence by utilising artificial intelligence to ease life’s demands. Through digital and quantum capabilities, AI can delve into the minutiae of human experience. If such interventions serve to diminish suffering, avert the destruction of the human ecosystem, and, crucially, elevate the quality of human transcendental life, they not only align with the truth of human existence and divine principles but also fortify them, enhancing the sacred truths that underpin human transcendence.
3) The Qur’an resolutely rejects any form of monopoly that seeks to subjugate humanity, whether through technology or artificial intelligence, thereby eroding human agency and choice. Such domination is deemed a corruption of the earth. For, as free beings, the intrinsic value of humanity lies in the sovereign ability to choose between good and evil. Should artificial intelligence be employed to automate the minutiae of human life, it undermines the essence of human freedom, thereby challenging the very foundation of virtuous action and moral choice. Moreover, if AI serves to monopolise malevolence, coercing humanity towards vice and corruption, it becomes inherently corrupt and morally repugnant. As God declares in Surah Al-Insan (76:3), “Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.” The eminent Allamah Tabataba’i elucidates that guidance refers to the presentation of a path, not the guarantee of the desired outcome, for the true path is one that leads to the truth, the ultimate goal of human existence (Tabataba’i, 1959[1378AH], Vol. 20: 195). Therefore, systemic corruption, which diminishes human agency, presents a far greater crisis than individual moral failings, rendering any system that reduces human freedom ultimately undesirable.
4) Artificial intelligence, in its deepening entrenchment within the fabric of human existence, risks exacerbating humanity’s subjugation and weakening its spiritual connection with the Divine. Human strength and frailty, intrinsically linked to one’s relationship with God, are also shaped by the “fields of life.” In a society where corruption is propagated as a norm, this becomes the foundation for collective moral decay and societal calamity. While some believers may resist such currents, striving for righteousness, the advent of an intelligent system that isolates or destabilises human existence and our connection to nature and truth represents a profound rupture in human transcendence. As God states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205): “And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.” Whether this corruption is instigated by a human or an AI created by one, the essence of the corruption remains unchanged. Artificial intelligence, particularly with its quantum capacities, possesses the potential to institutionalise corruption, permeating the minutiae of life. Herein lies a stark contrast between individual moral failings and the systemic, layered corruption embedded within the very architecture of digital space. While technology itself is morally neutral, its direction—towards either the flourishing of life or its destruction—is determined by the algorithms that guide it, which can amplify life’s complexities and instigate crises of identity, alienation, and technophobic fears, thereby fortifying the forces of corruption.
Saied Reza Ameli is Professor of Communications and Internet Studies at the University of Tehran.
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