What is the ruling on using artificial intelligence for creating electronic Mushafs or AI-generated recitations?

Contemporary technology is advancing at a tremendous pace, permeating nearly every aspect of life. The most important of these is artificial intelligence, which aims to enable computers to perform tasks that require human intelligence through software capable of simulating intelligent human behavior.[1]

It is established in Islamic law that the basic ruling regarding all things is permissibility unless there is general or specific evidence indicating otherwise.[2] Jurists and Islamic legal theorists have stated that the prescriptive rulings of Islamic law do not apply to things per se, but to the actions of those who are legally responsible and to the intention behind their use.[3] ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say, “Actions are judged only by intentions” (recorded by Bukhari and Muslim).[4] Additionally, the well-known legal maxim states that matters are judged according to their objectives.[5] Based on this, newly emerging matters remain subject to the principle of permissibility unless they involve factors that render them impermissible, such as harm to others, infringement upon their rights, the absence of legal safeguards, excess or immoderation, etc.

 

Using AI to produce electronic Mushafs or AI-generated recitations

Although the use of artificial intelligence is permissible in principle based on the verse, “He is the One who created for you all that is on the earth,” the ruling for it depends on the purpose for which it is used. If it serves a lawful objective, its use is lawful; and if it serves a prohibited objective, its use is prohibited. This is based on the established principle that “Means take the ruling of their ends.”[6] Accordingly, using artificial intelligence to produce electronic Mushafs or AI-generated recitations that help reciters memorize the Quran, recite it properly, or introduce new methods that facilitate the memorization of and reflection upon the Quran is praiseworthy and encouraged in Islamic law.

This is supported by the general implication of texts highlighting the virtue of reciting and memorizing the Quran. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded Muslims to learn the Quran, teach it, and recite it, and he informed us that those who learn and teach it are the best among Muslims. ʿUthman ibn ʿAffan narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it” (recorded by Bukhari).[7] Those who memorize and recite the Quran hold the same rank and degree as the angels. ʿAʾisha, the Mother of the Believers, narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The example of one who recites the Quran, while memorizing it, is that of one with the noble and righteous scribes (the angels). And the example of one who recites the Quran and is committed to it, although it is difficult for him, is that of one with a double reward”
(recorded by Bukhari).

One of the objectives of Islamic law is to facilitate the memorization of the Quran. Allah Almighty says, “And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance; so is there anyone who will remember?”
(Quran, 54:17).[8] Facilitating the memorization of the Quran entails facilitating the means that lead to the attainment of this noble objective.

Using diverse educational methods to reach legitimate objectives is in itself permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used various methods when teaching his Companions. For example, he used illustrative images to explain concepts, as in the hadith narrated by ʿAbdullah ibn Masʿud, who said that on one occasion, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) drew a square, then drew a line extending outward from its center. He then drew several small lines that extended from its side toward the central line. He then said, “This represents the human being, and this [the square] represents his lifespan, which surrounds him—or has encompasses him. This line extending beyond [the square] represents his hopes, and these small lines represent the trials and afflictions that befall him. If one of them misses him, another will strike him; and if this one misses him, that one will strike him” (recorded by Bukhari).

 

Guidelines for using AI to create electronic Mushafs or AI-generated recitations

It must be noted that the recitation of the Quran is governed by strict rules known as the rules of tajwid. Even stricter requirements apply to the study of the canonical Quranic readings (qiraʾat), which differ in matters such as the pronunciation of certain vowels, inclination, pharyngealization, non-pharyngealization, and other phonetic characteristics. Therefore, this modern technology must adhere to the rules of tajweed and recitation. It is also necessary that the competent authorities fully review any electronic Mushafs, AI-generated recitations, and related tools and technologies. They must also ensure that these do not:

• Infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others;
• compromise the rulings governing the Quran’s sanctity, status, and recitation; or
• contravene the laws and regulations established by the authorities responsible for overseeing this matter.

 

The ruling

It is permissible in Islamic law to use AI technology to create electronic copies of the Mushaf or AI-generated Quran recitations that help ensure proper recitation and facilitate memorization. There is no objection to this, provided that such technology serves as a means of helping those who memorize the Quran maintain proper recitation and facilitate memorization. However, such computer programs must first be reviewed and approved by the authorities responsible for verifying the Mushaf and Quranic recitations to ensure their accuracy and integrity.

And Allah Almighty knows best.