AI helps to search for knowledge. Yet religious rulings (أَحْكَامٌ) remain a human responsibility. A large language model — LLM (large language model) can suggest drafts, but it does not replace a mufti or an imam. Under the Code, decision‑making must be left to humans (see 1.4.2; 2.1.3; 2.2.32).
AI is useful for lookups and drafts. It speeds up finding verses and hadiths. However, accuracy and context must be checked with a knowledgeable scholar (عَالِمٌ) or a responsible person (see 2.2.35; 2.3.10).
Key takeaways
- AI is an auxiliary tool, not a source of fatwa (فَتْوَى).
- Religious decisions are taken by humans; responsibility is personal (see 1.4.2; 2.1.3).
- Religious data must be verified (see 2.2.35).
- Limitations and a public contact point must be published.
- Logs of queries and error corrections must be kept.
Essence
AI increases access to knowledge. It helps find texts and frame questions. But AI makes mistakes and does not grasp the nuances of uṣūl al‑fiqh (أُصُولُ الْفِقْهِ). Therefore AI should be used for search and drafting, not as a final answer.
The Code forbids “full automation” of rulings: an algorithm may not issue binding decisions in the name of the Sharia (الشَّرِيعَةُ) (see 2.2.32). The duty to verify religious content is set separately: information must be confirmed by competent scholars and responsible bodies (see 2.2.35; 4.1.1–4.1.4).
Permitted / Caution / Prohibited
| Permitted | Caution | Prohibited |
| Reference lookups: links to verses and hadiths. | Cross‑madhhab generalizations: check with a scholar. | Asking AI to issue a fatwa (فَتْوَى) instead of a mufti. |
| Drafts of notes and handouts. | Summaries of tafsirs: verify against primary sources. | Automatically declaring halal/haram without verification. |
| Reminders for prayer, dhikr, daily schedule. | Personal advice: consider context and hide personal data. | Publishing “AI’s answer on behalf of the Sharia.” |
| Study flashcards and tests. | Sensitive ʿaqīdah (العَقِيدَةُ) issues: only under supervision. | Building an automated “religious chatbot with no human” for fatwas. |
How to Act in Practice (Step‑by‑Step)
- Intention (نِيَّةٌ): the goal is knowledge and rectifying action (see 2.2.1).
- Tool selection: a person responsible for religious content and privacy must be appointed.
- Query: phrase neutrally; specify the madhhab (Hanafi) and the source.
- Verification: the output must be validated by a knowledgeable scholar or imam.
- Documentation: logs of religious queries and user remarks must be kept.
- Limitations: the model’s boundaries and the list of forbidden scenarios must be published.
- Feedback: a contact point must be defined to correct errors.
- Decision: decision‑making must be left to humans.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Substituting the fatwa: AI frames a categorical ḥukm. It should be labelled as a draft and checked with a mufti (see 2.2.32).
- Unreliable citations: hallucinated sources. Precise quotations should be required and verified in tafsirs/collections.
- Ignoring context: family or financial questions without circumstances. Human consultation is necessary after clarifications.
- Privacy: personal data in prompts. Sensitive details should be anonymized.
- Absolutizing AI: expecting “infallibility.” Users should be reminded of error likelihood and model limits (see 2.3.6; 2.3.10).
When to Consult an Imam/Specialist
- Marriage, divorce, inheritance, waqf and debts.
- Disputes and adjudication; risk of harm to property or honour.
- Conflict of sources; disagreement of opinions (ikhtilāf).
- Personal medical and mental conditions.
- Any decisions with legal consequences.
Conclusion: Brief Counsel
AI is a helpful assistant, not a mufti. It should be used for search and drafts. Religious conclusions must be reviewed by scholars. Decision‑making must be left to humans. Technology should serve the preservation of religion, life, intellect, property and honour (مَقَاصِدُ ٱلشَّرِيعَةِ).
Disclaimer. The advice is for information only and does not constitute a fatwa; in doubtful cases, please consult a qualified scholar.
