Throughout history, religious guidance has stood as a cornerstone in shaping societies, preserving their identity and ensuring their moral integrity.
In Islam, the fatwa, a scholarly opinion on matters of faith and daily life, has always been a critical institution, helping Muslims navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and clarity. However, the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age, particularly the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), presents unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges for this venerable tradition.
From the earliest days of Islam, the quest for religious knowledge required immense dedication. Scholars and seekers of guidance travelled arduous journeys across deserts and seas on camels and ships, tirelessly pursuing authentic religious verdicts. Over centuries, technological advancements reshaped how fatwas were sought and disseminated, from handwritten letters and telegrams to telephones, and, today, instant online communication. We now stand at the threshold of yet another transformative leap, with AI promising to redefine the very process of religious consultation.
Recognising the necessity to proactively address these advancements, the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide convened its Tenth International Conference in Cairo under the theme “Crafting Enlightened Muftis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” recently.
This gathering marked the tenth anniversary of our global initiative, uniting over a hundred countries’ leading religious scholars, muftis, policymakers, and experts in technology. The conference, graciously sponsored by His Excellency President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, sought to outline the future of fatwa institutions and develop practical frameworks for engaging ethically and effectively with emerging technologies.
The deliberations of the conference underscored that AI introduces complex questions about the human essence of religious interpretation. Can an algorithm genuinely capture the nuanced understanding and compassionate wisdom required in a fatwa? Is it ethical for machine-generated responses to supplant traditional scholarly judgement in matters directly impacting human spirituality and morality? These critical reflections reaffirmed our commitment to humanising technological solutions, emphasising AI as an assistant rather than a replacement for scholarly thought.
Indeed, while caution is essential, the positive potential of technology must not be overlooked. AI systems, when properly integrated, can significantly enhance the reach and accuracy of fatwa issuance. They can facilitate immediate and reliable access to extensive Islamic jurisprudential databases, swiftly categorise vast amounts of scholarly literature, and detect extremist narratives circulating online, allowing religious institutions to respond promptly and effectively.
It is vital, therefore, to establish robust ethical guidelines that ensure these tools are employed responsibly, preserving the authoritative and compassionate essence intrinsic to Islamic jurisprudence.
At the conference, we unveiled several pivotal initiatives reflecting Egypt’s longstanding leadership in Islamic thought and innovation in religious practice. These initiatives include a comprehensive contemporary encyclopaedia on fatwa scholarship, the “Cairo Charter for Fatwa and Artificial Intelligence” to ethically govern technological engagement, and an international fellowship programme designed specifically to equip young scholars with the necessary competencies for responsible religious leadership in a rapidly digitising world.
Additionally, the establishment of the Digital Fatwa Innovation Lab promises continuous exploration of advanced digital methodologies in religious counselling and ethical decision-making.
These measures align with our broader strategy to cultivate muftis who are not only deeply versed in classical Islamic knowledge but also technologically adept and contextually aware. In this rapidly evolving digital era, muftis must be prepared to interpret religious texts with both intellectual rigour and contemporary relevance, safeguarding the Muslim community from misinformation and radical interpretations proliferating online.
Looking ahead, collaboration remains essential. Religious scholars, technologists, and policymakers must work hand-in-hand, forming cross-disciplinary partnerships to address emerging ethical dilemmas. The aim is clear: to craft a future where technological advancement enhances rather than undermines spiritual guidance, preserves the integrity of religious teaching, and ultimately serves humanity’s collective ethical growth.
Egypt, through its enduring tradition of balanced religious scholarship embodied by Al-Azhar and the Dar Al-Iftaa, remains steadfast in its mission to lead these global conversations. The recent conference symbolises this commitment, offering an essential platform for shaping the future of fatwa and religious consultation worldwide.
In conclusion, our vision is clear and ambitious: to harmoniously integrate artificial intelligence within the noble practice of issuing fatwas, ensuring that these advancements serve the timeless goals of compassion, moderation, and wisdom intrinsic to Islam. Let us continue to guide our communities wisely, responsibly, and ethically into this promising yet challenging new frontier.
The writer is the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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