As artificial intelligence rapidly permeates nearly every facet of modern digital life—from search engines and digital assistants to complex software development and creative writing—believers are increasingly seeking ethical guidance on how to navigate these new technological frontiers. Addressing these contemporary concerns, prominent Islamic scholar Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat has offered a comprehensive perspective on the permissibility of artificial intelligence, framing it as a beneficial tool that nevertheless demands mindful, responsible, and ecologically conscious usage.
The guidance, issued in response to a series of specific inquiries regarding environmental resources, search engine transitions, and professional coding, establishes foundational principles for Muslims interacting with advanced computing technologies. At the heart of the scholar’s position is the premise that artificial intelligence should be viewed through the traditional Islamic lens regarding blessings, utility, and environmental stewardship.
The Status of Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Ethics
Responding to questions about whether AI constitutes a form of resource waste, whether users are obligated to abandon modern search engines that incorporate AI, and whether developers can use AI to code applications, Shaykh Abdul-Rahim began by emphasizing praise and gratitude to the Creator. Setting a traditional theological framework, he noted that artificial intelligence functions fundamentally as a useful and beneficial tool.
In Islamic thought, a believer is encouraged to utilize the various gifts and resources provided by God in ways that either directly fulfill acts of obedience or positively enhance life in this world and prepare for the hereafter. Consequently, artificial intelligence should be evaluated and approached with the same balanced perspective, neither dismissed out of hand nor adopted without ethical boundaries.
However, this endorsement of technology comes with a vital caveat regarding consumption and ecological impact. The scholar drew a direct parallel between the resource-intensive nature of modern large-scale computing infrastructure and traditional prohibitions against environmental waste, known in Islamic jurisprudence as israf.
To illustrate the principle, Shaykh Abdul-Rahim offered a clear analogy: just as an individual would rightfully be discouraged from pointlessly burning wood in their garden every day due to the harmful smoke and atmospheric pollution generated by the act, the unnecessary or frivolous consumption of computational power—which relies heavily on electricity and extensive cooling water resources—should be viewed with similar caution.
Environmental Responsibility and Resource Conservation
The discussion of AI’s environmental footprint naturally invites broader Islamic teachings on conservation, particularly regarding water and energy. Modern data centers that train and operate large language models and search algorithms require vast amounts of electricity, much of which still relies on carbon-emitting sources, alongside millions of gallons of water used daily for cooling servers.
To emphasize the gravity of resource conservation, the scholar cited a well-known historical narration from the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. In the account, the Prophet passed by his companion Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas while the latter was performing wudu, the ritual ablution before prayer. Observing how Sa’d was using water, the Prophet asked, "What is this wastefulness, O Sa’d?"
Expressing surprise, Sa’d asked, "Is there wastefulness in wudu?" The Prophet Muhammad replied definitively, "Yes, even if you’re at a flowing river."
This narration serves as a foundational baseline in Islamic environmental ethics, establishing that resources must never be squandered or used excessively, regardless of their perceived abundance or availability. Applying this principle to the digital age, Shaykh Abdul-Rahim underscored that the invisible nature of data processing and cloud computing does not exempt users from the ethical responsibility to avoid waste.
Practical Recommendations for Everyday Users
Based on these ethical and environmental considerations, the scholar provided practical counsel for believers navigating the digital ecosystem. Rather than mandating an impractical complete migration away from modern search engines or banning the technology entirely, the guidance encourages moderation, intentionality, and purposeful engagement.
Users are advised to keep their interaction with artificial intelligence focused on what is genuinely useful and beneficial for their daily lives, their professional obligations, their religious practice, and their spiritual preparation for the afterlife. Conversely, the scholar strongly recommended avoiding the use of AI for frivolous, idle, or purely wasteful matters.
This nuanced approach allows professionals, students, and everyday internet users to leverage tools like automated coding assistants, writing aids, and advanced search algorithms, provided they do so responsibly. Scholars across various institutions have previously weighed in on related digital matters, noting that lawful spending, reasonable digital consumption, and the generation of permissible content generally align with Islamic legal norms as long as they do not cross into excess or support unlawful activities.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate deeper into the global infrastructure, religious scholarship is increasingly providing frameworks that balance technological advancement with timeless principles of moderation, ecological stewardship, and moral accountability.