Religious Authorities Urged To Draft Shariah Guidelines For AI Use

KUANTAN, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Religious authorities must develop Shariah-compliant guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance digital awareness among Muslims through strong religious understanding, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

He said technology should serve as a platform for religious outreach, education and strengthening of faith, not solely as an economic tool.

“Key challenges in AI include ethical use of data, identity manipulation through voice and facial replication and the spread of false information, including content that may distort Islamic teachings.

“If left unregulated, AI risks eroding public trust instead of reinforcing it,” he said when officiating the International Conference on Human Sciences and Civilisations (i-CONSCIENCE 2025), organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), here today.

The biennial conference, themed ‘Humanity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Preserving Values, Ethics & Cultural Identity’, aims to foster new ideas and international collaboration in building an ethical and value-driven civilisation amid rapid technological development.

Now in its third edition following successful runs in 2020 and 2023, the event brings together over 180 scholars, researchers and participants from Malaysia and abroad to address the intersection of technology, ethics, culture and society in the AI age.

Mohd Na’im also cited the ‘Islamic Content Guidelines for New Media’ issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) as a key step in ensuring that digital content remains aligned with the principles of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

“Islam is a religion of knowledge. Muslims must not only be users of technology, but also creators and leaders in science, biotechnology and AI, guided by religious and humanitarian values,” he said.

Meanwhile, UMPSA vice-chancellor Prof Dr Yatimah Alias stressed the relevance of the humanities in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that AI and digital technologies must evolve in tandem with ethics, values and cultural identity.

“To build a sustainable and inclusive future, we must not abandon our heritage. Great civilisations are rooted in strong intellectual traditions and universal human values, not just technological or economic achievements,” she said.

-- BERNAMA