Artificial Intelligence and Islamic Values: Are They Compatible?

As of today, artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in many industries, including business, healthcare, and cybersecurity. As businesses embrace AI, according to an Islamic perspective, companies must assess whether AI will cause harm or disrupt the balance of fairness and justice within the community.

Islam encourages adaptation to technological advancements, but it also requires careful consideration of how these advancements may affect others. So, is AI compatible with Islamic values?

Yes, AI can be compatible with Islamic values. As long as AI is used fairly, honestly, and responsibly and helps people without causing harm, it fits with Islamic principles. The important thing is that AI should respect human dignity, be used for the common good, and follow ethical guidelines.

Therefore, that’s how businesses should use AI by being careful and making sure it benefits and helps workers, consumers, and society at large in the right way. No one should ever be unfairly disadvantaged or marginalized.

What are the Islamic values that can be aligned with AI?

To adhere to Islamic values, AI must be guided by the right values to benefit everyone as a whole. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, specifically mentioned that “turath Islam” (Islamic heritage) should be incorporated into the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia. It refers to the rich history, culture, knowledge, traditions, and values that have developed over centuries.

He said AI should be guided by Islamic values and traditions, not just the Western model entirely. He also stressed that Islamic knowledge and morals should shape how AI is used in Islamic countries. This was mentioned during the Selangor Turath Islami Festival, an event in Shah Alam, reported by The Star.

Hence, Islamic values that can be incorporated with AI are:

1. Justice (Adl) and Fairness: AI systems must be designed in ways that are fair to all individuals, ensuring that they do not reinforce bias or lead to discrimination. AI should not be used to oppress any group or favor one over another.
   
2. Ethics (Akhlaq): AI development must adhere to principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity. This includes avoiding deceitful practices, ensuring data privacy, and making sure AI applications are used for good purposes (e.g., improving healthcare, education, and sustainability) rather than unethical uses like exploitation, manipulation, or surveillance.
   
3. Benefit to Society (Maslahah): AI has the potential to greatly benefit humanity, for example, by improving healthcare, enhancing education, or solving complex social problems. But it also comes with risks, such as taking away jobs, invading privacy, and increasing inequality. However, if AI is developed with maslahah, it will minimize harm and maximize benefits for society. According to Jakim, this includes basic needs, ease, and relief, and added value like promoting dignity, good morals, and positive practices.
   
4. Accountability (Amanah): Islam teaches that humans are trusted to use resources and knowledge wisely, including technology. This means AI developers, governments, and organizations must be responsible for how they create and use AI. It must be used in a fair and careful way, with open and clear decision-making.
   
5. Transparency and Avoidance of Harm (Darar): In Islam, matters that impact people’s lives are important. AI must be transparent in its algorithms, ensuring that people know how decisions are made. Additionally, AI should be used in a way that avoids harm (Darar), whether that be harm to individuals, society, or the environment.

Conclusion

AI can be compatible with Islamic values if it is developed and used in ways that prioritize justice, accountability, benefit to society, and the well-being of humanity. As long as AI aligns with the ethical principles laid out in Islamic teachings, it can contribute positively to society. However, developers and leaders must ensure that its use does not cause harm, injustice, or exploitation and that it supports the public good.