Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
14 February 2025 | 10:15 CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: IslamiCity

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the ethical questions surrounding its use are becoming increasingly complex. From the exploitation of creators’ work to the automation of entire industries, AI raises significant concerns. These concerns involve efficiency or profitability and every individual’s fundamental right over their work, creativity, and well-being. Islam, emphasising justice, responsibility, and respect for others, provides a framework to address these concerns, offering guidance on one’s human rights over another.

Rights and Duties: Islam and the Ethics of AI Use

One of the primary ethical schools of thought when considering AI is deontological ethics, which stresses duties and obligations, irrespective of the outcomes. This principle resonates deeply with Islamic teachings, which emphasise upholding rights and fulfilling duties towards others. In Islam, the concept of Haq (rights) and Wajib (obligations) forms the foundation of social conduct.

For example, using AI to exploit creators’ work—such as using an artist’s image to train AI models without consent—violates fundamental Islamic principles. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Do not harm yourselves or others” (Sahih Muslim). This applies directly to AI, where creators’ intellectual property rights must be respected. Just as an artist has the right to their creation, Muslims are bound to respect and compensate others for their labour, as outlined in numerous Quranic verses and Hadith.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also stated, “Whosoever works a good deed, let him do it sincerely for Allah. And whosoever is wronged by others, then let him seek justice, for Allah will protect him from oppression” (Sahih Muslim). This highlights the significance of ensuring fairness and equity in all dealings, including using AI.

Furthermore, deontological ethics also emphasises positive duties, which align with the Islamic idea of Khidmah (service). AI can potentially serve humanity, especially in healthcare and education. Just as Islam encourages acts of charity and service to others, AI tools that help provide real-time translations for refugees embody this positive duty. Therefore, the ethical use of AI should not only consider the rights of creators but also how AI can be a tool for social good, helping those in need.

Balancing Benefits and Harms

Another ethical perspective is consequentialism, which evaluates actions based on their outcomes. Islam, too, encourages weighing consequences before acting, as seen in the concept of Maslahah (public interest). This principle calls for decisions that promote the welfare of society while minimising harm.

AI can revolutionise industries, from scientific research to personalised learning. However, it also threatens workers’ livelihoods, particularly in creative fields. The rise of AI-generated art, for example, raises questions about whether the economic benefits justify the displacement of human creators. Islam teaches that the pursuit of benefit should never come at the expense of justice or fairness. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers so that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin” (Quran, 2:188).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, “He who does not give others their rights, they will be his adversaries on the Day of Judgement” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This underlines the importance of fairness in all dealings, ensuring that no one is deprived of what is rightfully their creative work or economic benefits.

Thus, a balanced approach to AI requires acknowledging both the benefits of technological advancement and the ethical implications of its impact on workers’ rights and creative industries. AI’s societal benefits, such as advancements in healthcare and education, must be weighed against the disruption it causes to livelihoods and economic structures.

Virtue Ethics: Cultivating Integrity in the AI Era

Finally, virtue ethics focuses on the moral character of individuals and the virtues they cultivate in their professional lives. Islam greatly emphasises personal integrity, ethics, and good character development. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “The best of you are those who have the best manners and character” (Sahih Bukhari). This framework can be applied to AI, where professionals in various fields—law, healthcare, or journalism—must exercise judgement and uphold their ethical responsibilities, even when faced with the temptation of efficiency or convenience.

AI can be a double-edged sword; it can increase productivity and diminish the need for personal diligence and responsibility. For instance, in legal practice, over-reliance on AI-generated documents may lead to negligence in catching legal nuances, potentially compromising justice. In healthcare, biases within AI systems could perpetuate inequalities in care, something that Islam strongly condemns. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives” (Quran, 4:135).

In this context, Muslims are encouraged to use AI tools cautiously, ensuring they uphold justice, equity, and professionalism in their work. Just as a doctor must verify the recommendations of AI systems to avoid harm to patients, so must other professionals act with integrity and maintain their personal and professional standards in the face of technological advancement.

Conclusion: Aligning AI Use with Islamic Ethics

In conclusion, the ethical dilemmas raised by AI cannot be solved by technology alone. They require a thoughtful, value-based approach incorporating human dignity and technological progress. With its focus on justice, rights, and social responsibility, Islam offers a clear framework for addressing these issues. Whether it is respecting the intellectual property of creators, balancing the benefits and harms of AI on society, or fostering personal integrity in professional practice, the ethical use of AI must be guided by principles that honour human rights and promote the greater good.

As AI evolves, Muslims and the broader global community must remain committed to ethical practices that prioritise justice, fairness, and compassion—values deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. Through this lens, AI can serve as a tool for positive change, advancing innovation and humanity’s well-being.