Islamic Society and Emerging Technologies: Examining the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Muslim Social Values

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: Emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as transformative forces, are profoundly reshaping the social, economic, and cultural structures of human societies. With its unique capabilities in data analysis and automated decision-making, AI has opened new horizons for humanity. However, its rapid expansion raises fundamental questions about the relationship between this technology and human as well as religious values, especially in Islamic contexts. The collective identity and social values of Muslims are deeply rooted in religious teachings, making their engagement with AI especially complex.
This study, inspired by core Islamic principles such as justice, privacy, human dignity, and social solidarity—recognized as essential benchmarks for evaluating social phenomena—seeks to explore this relationship. Within this context, AI is understood not merely as a technological tool but as an informational ecosystem that influences all dimensions of social life. Accordingly, Manuel Castells’ theory of the information society is employed, highlighting that information technologies, such as AI, transform social structures and contribute to the rise of a networked society where information becomes the primary source of power and change. From this perspective, Castells’ theory provides a useful framework for conceptualizing AI as an ecosystem that impacts social structures and the distribution of power.
The central question of this study is whether AI conflicts with Islamic values or whether it can be harnessed to strengthen them. Ultimately, the research aims to provide an analytical framework for evaluating and regulating AI within Islamic societies.
Methodology: This research employs a documentary study and systematic review to examine the interplay between AI and social values in Islamic contexts. These methods allow for in-depth exploration of existing sources. To define the social values under consideration, Islamic references—including the Qur’an and authenticated Shi‘a hadith collections such as the Four Books (al-Kafi, Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, and al-Istibsar), along with Wasā’il al-Shi‘a—were analyzed. Complementary perspectives from contemporary scholars were drawn from peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Source selection was guided by scholarly credibility and thematic relevance.
The collected data were systematically categorized, first by identifying positive and negative impacts of AI on each value (justice, privacy, human dignity, and social solidarity), and then comparatively analyzed through Islamic jurisprudential principles and contemporary scholarly perspectives, thereby offering a comprehensive response to the research questions.
Findings: The findings reveal that AI exerts dual effects on the social values of Islamic societies—providing both opportunities for enhancement and posing serious challenges. Regarding social justice, AI can enhance transparency and efficiency in governance and finance, enabling fairer distribution of resources and reducing corruption. For instance, in the Islamic digital economy, broader access to financial services can promote economic justice. Yet, AI also risks algorithmic discrimination, whereby biased systems inadvertently marginalize certain groups—contradicting the Islamic principle of justice and potentially eroding social trust.
Concerning privacy, while Islam emphasizes respect for personal boundaries and prohibits unwarranted intrusion, AI’s capacity for mass data collection and surveillance threatens this value, amplifying societal feelings of insecurity and calling for stronger ethical safeguards. Regarding human dignity, AI’s substitution of human decision-making in certain domains risks undermining the Qur’anic recognition of humanity’s elevated status. In terms of social solidarity, AI may foster isolation and filter bubbles that weaken human bonds, although, when responsibly applied, it also has the potential to strengthen solidarity through personalized religious content and enhanced communication.
Discussion and Conclusion: The analysis demonstrates that AI is neither inherently benevolent nor intrinsically harmful; rather, its impact on Islamic societies depends on how it is designed, regulated, and applied. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to reinforce Islamic values such as justice and solidarity, yet simultaneously generates challenges such as algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and diminished human dignity, which conflict with Islamic teachings. This duality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and responsible approaches to AI governance.
To bridge existing gaps, the study highlights the importance of integrating jurisprudential principles—such as la darar (no harm) and the preservation of human dignity—with contemporary sociological theories like Castells’ information society. Such an integrated approach can underpin the development of indigenous ethical and legal frameworks that are both faithful to Islamic values and responsive to technological advances.
To realize this vision, transparent data policies, enhanced media literacy for navigating digital challenges, and, most importantly, sustained collaboration among Islamic jurists, religious scholars, and information technology experts are indispensable. Only through such measures can AI be transformed from a potential threat into a vehicle for advancing Islamic ideals and social progress, while safeguarding the cultural and religious identity of Muslim societies in an era of unprecedented global change.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.