What is the ruling on creating a video of a deceased person using artificial intelligence? I work in the field of programming and AI, and a man has asked me to create an AI-generated video of his late father using photos and audio that he would provide. He also asked me to recreate a specific situation involving him and his father, with the details to be provided by him.

It is established in the principles of jurisprudence that the ruling on something depends on its proper conception.[1] Consequently, the ruling on using AI applications to animate still images of the deceased varies according to the nature of its use and the intended purpose, as follows:

1. It is permissible to use such applications if the animated images reflect the deceased’s usual speech and movements, with the intention of finding solace in moments of longing for the deceased, and finding comfort in seeing those who have passed away. This is because the intended purpose is permissible and does not conflict with the objectives of Islamic law. It is also established that the means take the same rulings as their ends.[2]
2. It is prohibited to use such applications if the images of the deceased are animated in a way that faithfully reflects their customary manner of speaking and movements, but the intended purpose is to reject reality, dwell on past memories, renew grief, or inwardly object to Allah’s law regarding death. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not harm or reciprocate harm” (recorded by Ahmad).
3. It is categorically prohibited to use such technology if the purpose behind converting the images to audiovisual (AV) content is to achieve a prohibited end, such as making the deceased appear to say what they never did, attributing to them commitments they never made, or depicting them as testifying to something they did not witness. This is because it involves distorting facts, lying about the deceased, and constitutes a means to what is prohibited.

This is particularly true given that such AI-generated videos created from still images are often used to promote commercial products through deceptive advertising. Islamic law strictly prohibits any gains obtained through deception and fraud; Allah Almighty says, “And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly” (Quran, 2:188). Moreover, Abu Bakra (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “… Your blood, property, and honor are as inviolable as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours. Let those who are present inform those who are absent, for it may be that the one to whom it is transmitted will gain a deeper understanding of it” (recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim). Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The blood, property, and honor of every Muslim are sacred and inviolable to every other Muslim” (recorded by Muslim).

 

Islamic law prohibits distorting the truth through stratagems that make what is prohibited appear permissible. This includes using permissible means to achieve prohibited ends as a means of deception to commit what Allah Almighty has prohibited, evade and obligation, or deprive others of their rights.[3] Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not do as the Jews did, making lawful what Allah has prohibited by resorting to the basest of stratagems” (recorded by Ibn Batta in Ibtal al-Hiyal and deemed to have a good chain of transmission by Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir).

 

Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta urges the responsible and regulated use of this double-edged technology. While latitude in permissible matters is a dispensation granted by Islamic law, the limits set by Allah Almighty serve as the safeguard that prevents it from turning into heedlessness or harm. Such tools should be used to bring joy rather than to deceive, and to draw people closer, not drive them apart.

 

The ruling

The ruling on animating still images using artificial intelligence is contingent on the intended purpose. It is prohibited if the purpose of such a video is to make the deceased appear to say what they did not actually say during their lifetime, attribute to them statements or commitments they never made, change facts, or portray them as having committed a religious or legal violation. It is likewise prohibited if the purpose is to reject reality, renew grief, or remain trapped in the past in a way that leads to an inward objection to Allah’s decree and causes psychological distress.  This is because it involves lying about the deceased, falsifying reality, and causing psychological harm.

However, it is permissible if such a video is created for remembrance, finding comfort, prompting prayers of mercy and forgiveness for them, provided it does not result in harm at any time, present or future.

And Allah Almighty knows best.