Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Light of Islamic Laws’ Verdicts (Fatawa)

Abstract

The exhibition of justice, equity, ethics without ambiguity, integrity, chances to compromise privacy and bias stances has made the acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) a controversial issue, especially, in the field of Islamic jurisprudence when verdicts or edicts (fatawa) are to be given among the scholars. This article, therefore critically examines the pros and cons of AI via the lens of Islamic verdicts and how contemporary scholars of Islam view, interpret and align with its usage, considering the advantages and challenges it tends to pose. The study was carried out because of the controversial usage of Artificial Intelligence, in that, the verdicts or edicts of Shi’ites may not be accepted as the correct output of the Sunni in which the ruling on various themes are not in tandem, such as on temporary marriage (Nikah al mut’ah), vicegerency of the companionship of Aliyy bn Abi Talib and other three caliphs, infallibility of their Imams etc. and vice-versa. The study adopts qualitative and library-mixed methods of research. The findings of the research include among many others that AI assists in giving verdicts with humans’ efforts but it however raises great concerns on the input that produces the output, lack of moral ethics, faith etc. The paper recommends that, the use of AI should not be solely relied upon while scholastic human literature works are completely neglected; meanwhile the conclusion majorly reflects on combining both the use of AI and Islamic law experts’ opinions in giving Islamic Law’s verdicts (Fatawa).