An Analytical Study of Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Principles in the Light of Qur'anic Teachings

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly advances to transform the human life in many areas, including healthcare, education, economics and, war. Although these are impressive advances at the moment, of course with them come severe ethical concerns including concerns about privacy; bias; accountability; and the possibility of dehumanizing decision making. Especially at a time when the world is engaged on devising an ethical framework of AI, it is important to study the rich moral and philosophical traces of world religions especially Islam. Following that, this is an analytical study which seeks to understand AI from the perspective of ethical teachings found in the Qur’an. Irrespective of the moral dilemmas posed by modern AI systems, the Qur’an provides a comprehensive ethical framework, which is centered on the values of justice, accountability, human dignity, trust, and compassion, and for the most part, these values align closely with the moral dilemmas that the modern AI systems present. The study draws out from selected verses and their interpretations how Qur’anic principles can be used to guide responsible development, deployment and regulation of AI technologies. The research also points out that it is important to have interdisciplinary collaboration between Islamic scholars, AI experts and policymakers for ethically reflecting AI environment based on human dignity and divine values. It contends that the introduction of Qur’anic ethics into AI discourse plays an important role in preventing AI from adopting a morally irresponsible approach, and that it helps engage in global ethical debates addressing contemporary issues from a different and unique spiritual and human-centered point of view. Additionally, this research provides a new direction for further future research on the development of Shariah compliant AI systems, AI governance based on Islamic guidelines, and Islamic based ethical curricula on combining the faith with technological innovation. Finally, there is timeless guidance that the Qur’anic moral framework can provide in addressing the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in our fast developing world.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Qur’anic Ethics, Islamic Moral Philosophy, Ethical AI, Justice and Accountability, Human Dignity in Technology