AI is Smart, But Not a Giver of Fatwas

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) services capable of answering religious questions is increasingly popular, especially among the younger generation. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has reminded the public that AI can only serve as a tool, not a replacement for scholars or the primary reference in religious matters. Every AI-generated answer must still be verified, because religious knowledge is not solely related to text, but also to methodology, context, and wisdom in its application.

This phenomenon shows how technology has changed the way people seek knowledge. In the past, people attended study circles or asked scholars directly. Now, simply by typing a question, an answer appears in seconds. It is fast indeed, but not necessarily correct.

The problem is, AI is not a source of knowledge. AI only processes data available from various sources, including the internet, whose quality varies greatly. AI cannot distinguish between a preponderant opinion and a weak one, except based on the data patterns it has learned. In fact, AI can produce answers that appear convincing but are erroneous. Therefore, making AI a religious reference is clearly risky.

Furthermore, a fatwa in Islam is not merely about citing evidence. A fatwa is the result of ijtihad that requires mastery of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, the Arabic language, the principles of jurisprudence, the objectives of Sharia, and an understanding of the current reality being faced. All of this cannot possibly emerge from a mere computational process.

There is another issue that must also be recognised. AI platforms are developed by companies that have specific policies, security standards, and algorithms. The answers that appear may very well be influenced by the design of that system. Therefore, Muslims must not entrust religious affairs to technology that lacks trustworthiness, piety, and legal responsibility.

Allah SWT has provided very clear guidance: “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (QS. An-Nahl: 43). This verse does not command us to ask machines, but rather the ahludz dzikr, those who possess knowledge. Scholars do not only convey rulings, but also bear the trust to explain the religion based on legal evidence and fear of Allah SWT.

For this reason, technology remains appropriate to utilise as a means of searching for references or accelerating access to information. However, when it comes to rulings on halal and haram, fatwas, or matters of creed and worship, the primary reference remains scholars who are deeply versed in the faith.

In the current digital era, Muslims are required to be even more intelligent. Not only intelligent in using technology, but also intelligent in distinguishing between information and knowledge. For religious knowledge is not enough to simply be read; it must be studied through those who inherit the knowledge of the prophets.