MUI Launches 'Digital Jihad', Warns Against Learning Religion Solely via AI

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has launched a ‘digital jihad’ as a strategic measure to warn the public about the dangers of studying religious knowledge solely by relying on machines such as artificial intelligence (AI) without clear guidance from a teacher.

MUI Deputy Chairman Muhammad Cholil Nafis, speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Indonesian Muslim Congress (KUII) in Jakarta on Friday, asserted that the future direction of the community’s struggle must begin to target the digital realm to ensure the validity of information sources absorbed by the public. Cholil assessed that AI technology and digital media may be used merely as inspiration or a tool for initial information gathering. However, they cannot be made an absolute foundation for learning religion.

Therefore, through the momentum of the KUII, MUI firmly reminded the public of the limits of using information technology in matters of faith. He stressed that intelligent machines can never replace the position and exemplary conduct of a scholar. ‘Studying must be with a person, with a scholar, with a qualified and exemplary religious teacher. One cannot study solely with a machine,’ said Cholil Nafis.

Echoing the same concern, MUI Chairman Anwar Iskandar acknowledged that the lives of the community today, from various professions and backgrounds, can no longer be separated from the tide of digitalisation. ‘We want digitalisation in this country to be filled as much as possible with outreach to build the best possible nation,’ he said. To realise this cyber outreach mission, Anwar revealed that MUI has also established a strategic partnership with academics, including the University of Indonesia (UI). ‘Especially AI, which is a future necessity, we will fill with dignified outreach,’ concluded Anwar Iskandar.