Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of intelligent, knowledge-based products in Islamic sciences in the holy city of Qom, Ayatollah Arafi said developments in smart technologies represent both a major opportunity and a potential threat to religious and academic institutions if not properly guided.
He noted that the initiative, first conceptualized over a decade ago within seminarian and academic circles — including Al-Mustafa International University — aims to establish a pioneering scientific movement at the frontiers of knowledge with an international outlook rooted in Islamic discourse.
Smart Technologies: Opportunity and Challenge
Ayatollah Arafi emphasized that rapid advances in cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence will significantly influence academic, cultural, and theological domains.
“These technologies are no longer passive instruments,” he said. “They are active participants in intellectual processes and decision-making structures.”
He stressed that Islamic sciences must not only benefit from technological progress but also contribute to shaping its ethical and philosophical foundations.
Six Strategic Axes for AI in Islamic Sciences
The senior cleric outlined six key areas for integrating smart technologies into Islamic scholarship:
- Primary Islamic Texts – Utilizing AI to analyze and interpret foundational sources such as the Holy Qur’an and the prophetic tradition.
- Secondary Sources – Applying intelligent systems to thousands of classical works in jurisprudence, theology, philosophy, exegesis, and hadith.
- Development of Islamic Disciplines – Enhancing research methodologies in fields such as fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), kalam (theology), and tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis).
- Application in Contemporary Life – Facilitating the practical implementation of Islamic thought in modern social and individual contexts.
- Global Dissemination of Islamic Discourse – Employing AI for international outreach and cultural dialogue.
- Preservation of Islamic Civilization – Digitally safeguarding and promoting the historical and civilizational heritage of the Muslim world.
Expanding Academic Infrastructure
Ayatollah Arafi pointed to the establishment of new seminary specializations such as “Religion and Cyberspace” and “Religion and Cognitive Sciences and Artificial Intelligence,” noting that several admission cycles have already been completed.
He also highlighted ongoing research projects in areas including Islamic philosophy of AI, theology of artificial intelligence, and contemporary jurisprudence addressing emerging technologies.
The cleric referenced the achievements of the Computer Research Center of Islamic Sciences (Noor), founded under the guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing it as a pioneering institution in digital Islamic scholarship.
Ethical and Jurisprudential Dimensions
Addressing the ethical implications of AI, Ayatollah Arafi said specialized curricula for master’s and doctoral levels are being developed to train experts who are proficient in cutting-edge technologies while grounded in Islamic intellectual traditions.
He added that projects related to AI ethics, Islamic theology, and AI jurisprudence are underway, stressing that leadership in these areas requires collective participation across seminaries, universities, and research institutions.
Qom as a Global Hub
Describing Qom as a dynamic center of Islamic scholarship, Ayatollah Arafi said the city holds unique capacities to influence global academic and religious discourse.
He expressed optimism that with coordinated efforts, Qom could emerge as a leading hub in the intersection of Islamic sciences and intelligent technologies, benefiting not only Iran but the broader Muslim world.
“The responsibility is collective,” Ayatollah Arafi concluded. “We must move forward swiftly and strategically to ensure that Islamic thought plays a formative role in the age of artificial intelligence.”
Your Comment