Knowledge as a Trust (Amānah)

In Islam, knowledge is a sacred trust. Allah ﷻ says:

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart — all of those will be questioned.”
(Qur’an 17:36)

AI is built upon data, analysis, and algorithmic decision-making. If these systems are developed without ethical consideration, transparency, or accountability, they risk causing injustice. Islam teaches that any form of power — whether political, financial, or technological — is an amānah. Those who design, deploy, and regulate AI will be accountable before Allah for its consequences.

Justice (‘Adl) as a Core Principle

Justice is a foundational principle in Islam:

“Indeed, Allah commands justice (‘adl) and excellence (ihsān)…”
(Qur’an 16:90)

AI systems must be governed in a way that promotes justice and prevents harm. Algorithms can perpetuate bias, discrimination, and inequality if not carefully monitored. In Islamic governance, preventing oppression (ẓulm) is paramount. If AI tools reinforce unfair treatment — whether in employment, finance, law enforcement, or healthcare — then their use becomes ethically problematic.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.”
The companions asked, “We understand helping the oppressed, but how do we help the oppressor?”
He replied, “By preventing him from oppressing.” (Bukhari)

Ethical AI governance, therefore, includes preventing technological systems from becoming instruments of oppression.

Transparency and Accountability

Islam strongly emphasises honesty and clarity in transactions. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The buyer and the seller have the option (to cancel) as long as they have not separated. If they are truthful and clear, they will be blessed in their transaction. But if they conceal and lie, the blessing of their transaction will be erased.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Similarly, AI systems must not operate as “black boxes” that make life-altering decisions without transparency. Governance structures must ensure explainability, traceability, and accountability. Concealing how algorithms function — especially when they affect livelihoods or rights — contradicts Islamic principles of clarity and trust.

Avoiding Harm (La Darar)

A central legal maxim in Islam states:

“There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.” (Ibn Majah)

AI can be used for immense good — medical diagnostics, disaster prediction, financial inclusion — but it can also be misused for surveillance abuse, misinformation, autonomous weapons, or manipulation. Islamic ethics requires a proactive approach to prevent harm before it occurs. Governance frameworks must therefore prioritise safety, human dignity, and the preservation of life and intellect (maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah).

Human Dignity (Karāmah)

Allah ﷻ declares:

“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…”
(Qur’an 17:70)

Human dignity must remain central in AI development. Technology must serve humanity — not replace moral agency or diminish human worth. Decisions that affect human lives should not be entirely delegated to machines without meaningful human oversight. Islam recognises human beings as moral agents responsible for their choices; governance structures must ensure that AI enhances, rather than erodes, this responsibility.

Taqwa in Technological Advancement

Ultimately, ethical AI governance cannot rely on regulation alone. It requires taqwa — a consciousness of Allah. When innovation is guided by fear of accountability before the Creator, ethical boundaries become internalised rather than externally imposed.

Allah ﷻ says:

“And whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Qur’an 65:2–3)

For Muslim technologists, policymakers, and leaders, AI should be developed within a framework that aligns with Islamic objectives: preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth (maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah).

Conclusion

AI is a powerful tool — neither inherently good nor evil. Its moral character depends on the intentions, structures, and governance behind it. From an Islamic perspective, ethical AI governance must be rooted in justice, transparency, accountability, prevention of harm, and protection of human dignity.

Technology without ethics leads to corruption. Innovation without governance leads to injustice. But technology guided by faith, taqwa, and responsible stewardship can become a means of serving humanity and fulfilling our role as khulafā’ (stewards) on earth.

In the end, every innovation will return to the same question: did it serve justice, or did it serve power? And before Allah, that answer will matter.

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Your sister,
Dr. Thamina (Samina) Anwar
CEO & Founder
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