Hawzah News Agency- The senior cleric made the remarks Thursday at a ceremony in Qom unveiling technological products developed by the Institute for Science, Civilization and Mysticism, which focus on the application of artificial intelligence in religious studies.
The event, held at the Al al-Bayt International University in Qom, brought together scholars, professors, seminary students and university researchers active in the intersection of Islamic sciences and advanced technology.
Ayatollah Arafi began by paying tribute to the memory of the late founder of the Islamic Republic and the martyrs of the Axis of Resistance, asking God for the victory of Islam and Muslims in what he described as the "great civilizational battle between Islam and disbelief, and between the oppressed and the oppressors."
He also expressed appreciation for the young scholars, students and specialists who have devoted themselves to expanding the frontiers of Islamic sciences and exploring the points of convergence between religious knowledge, cognitive sciences and advanced technologies.
Two Flawed Approaches to Scientific and Technological Change
Ayatollah Arafi cautioned against two recurring and incorrect responses to major scientific and technological transformations.
The first, he said, is a passive and superficial embrace driven by excitement—an approach characterized by hasty adoption, lack of depth and a shallow understanding of new developments.
"Throughout history, we have witnessed this kind of reaction in many societies, including our own, toward various scientific and technological shifts," Ayatollah Arafi said. "This approach is clearly incorrect."
The second flawed response, he continued, is one of neglect, aversion and even outright rejection or dismissal of major transformations.
"Both of these approaches can be observed in many contexts—inside and outside the seminary—among nations confronting scientific, technological, social and political change," he noted.
According to Ayatollah Arafi, neither the excited, passive and submissive approach nor the dismissive and neglectful one represents the correct path.
"Those who possess wisdom and have benefited from the pure teachings of Islam choose neither of these paths," he said. "Instead, they adopt a third, rational approach—one based on precise understanding, deep comprehension, intelligent and wise engagement, sound criticism and utilization grounded in the principles derived from reason and revelation."
The cleric stressed that this third path is the one being pursued by the Islamic seminary and by the Institute for Science, Civilization and Mysticism.
"We have chosen this third path in confronting cognitive sciences, advanced technological developments and artificial intelligence, in accordance with the methodology we have learned from our great scholars," Ayatollah Arafi said.
He expressed hope that researchers and scholars would continue to engage with these developments through this same wise and steadfast approach.
Two Main Axes for Integrating Islamic Sciences with AI
Ayatollah Arafi said that when cognitive sciences, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence are compared with Islamic texts, sources and divine teachings, there is no fundamental incompatibility between them. Rather, he argued, there are vast areas of overlap that must be explored.
From this perspective, he outlined two main axes that should guide the work of researchers and scholars.
First Axis: Applying New Technologies to Islamic Sciences
The first axis, Ayatollah Arafi explained, involves utilizing scientific and technological advances in the study of Islamic sciences. He identified at least seven key areas where work has already begun:
- The application of AI and new technologies to primary sources and texts of Islamic sciences;
- Their application to secondary sources and texts;
- Their application to the body of Islamic sciences and Islamic systems;
- Their application in the fields of propagation, explanation and promotion of divine teachings;
- Their application in the implementation of Islam and the creation of models for realizing Islamic principles in various individual and social spheres;
- Their application in Islamic governance;
- A comprehensive examination of the evolution and transformation of Islamic civilization.
Ayatollah Arafi emphasized that these are areas that cannot be ignored or avoided.
"We must enter these fields, work proactively and refuse to remain passive," he said.
Second Axis: What Islam Has to Say About AI
The second axis, Ayatollah Arafi continued, reverses the direction of inquiry. Here, the question is not what technology can do for Islamic sciences, but what Islam, divine revelation, the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) have to say about artificial intelligence, related fields of knowledge and various technological transformations.
He identified five key topics that should be addressed within this axis:
- The philosophy of artificial intelligence from an Islamic and philosophical perspective;
- Islamic jurisprudence and legal frameworks for AI;
- Islamic theology and the theological dimensions of AI;
- The ethics of artificial intelligence;
- An Islamic system for the AI domain.
According to Ayatollah Arafi, Islam must clarify its position on these developments through the lens of its various sciences, taking into account the unique challenges and requirements of this field.
Reexamining the Body of Islamic Sciences with an AI Dimension
Ayatollah Arafi said that given the breadth and scope of developments in cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence, it is necessary to revisit the entire structure of Islamic sciences with an AI dimension—an endeavor he described as both sensitive and difficult.
He said Islamic theology, for example, must be reexamined in light of the questions raised by these new fields. Work has already begun in this area, he noted, with recent publications addressing topics ranging from proofs of the existence of God to discussions on material and immaterial existence, prophethood, resurrection, miracles, the status of human beings and human free will.
"This does not mean we abandon our foundations," Ayatollah Arafi clarified. "We remain firmly grounded in our philosophical, rational and jurisprudential principles. But this new reading, informed by contemporary developments, is an important dimension of Islamic sciences that should be incorporated across all these discussions."
He said the same approach should be applied to Islamic philosophy, transcendental wisdom, jurisprudence and ethics.
"The entire body of our knowledge can be subjected to renewed scrutiny with this AI dimension," Ayatollah Arafi said. "I hope the great seminary of Qom and other Islamic seminaries will take up this responsibility."
He emphasized that collaboration with specialists and universities is essential in all these areas.
Opportunities and Threats Must Be Examined Comprehensively
Ayatollah Arafi also stressed the importance of thoroughly examining both the opportunities and threats posed by these vast technological developments.
He noted that many thinkers and researchers in the West have already discussed the implications of these advances for science, economics, politics, governance, the future of humanity and human civilization.
"We must examine whether the effects of these transformations in these spheres are positive or negative, and understand their dimensions and consequences," he said.
AI in Defense and Security: A Strategic Priority
The cleric highlighted the growing importance of AI in defense and security, pointing to recent wars as the first large-scale use of such technologies.
"Before the recent 12-day imposed war and the Ramadan war, we had never seen this level of application and transformation in defense, security and warfare," Ayatollah Arafi said. "Now, for the first time, these developments have been deployed in these domains."
He acknowledged that there have been both strengths and weaknesses in this area, and called for greater efforts to address vulnerabilities.
Ayatollah Arafi recalled a meeting two years ago with the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution in which he raised concerns about AI.
"Two years ago, I was in the presence of the Supreme Leader and the martyred commander, and I raised three issues," Ayatollah Arafi said. "One was passive defense, and another was artificial intelligence. I said that, as far as I understand, AI is not receiving the necessary attention in our universities, seminaries and critical institutions, and we could face serious harm as a result. Greater efforts are needed."
Unjust Use of Technology by Enemies, Iran's Remarkable Resilience
Ayatollah Arafi said that during the recent imposed wars, advanced technologies were used unjustly to harm the Islamic establishment, the Islamic Revolution and the Axis of Resistance in the economic, political, security, governance and defense spheres.
At the same time, he emphasized that Iran's own strength proved remarkable.
"What happened in these wars was a historic, miraculous phenomenon without parallel in the past century," Ayatollah Arafi said. "A nation stood firm against one of the world's most powerful scientific, technological, economic, political and military powers and resisted."
He described the resistance of the Iranian people and armed forces as a historic achievement, crediting the nation, the armed forces, the Supreme Leadership and the martyrs for making it possible.
"This was one of the most extraordinary accomplishments of our great nation," he said.
Global Admiration for Iran's Achievements
Ayatollah Arafi said he has witnessed global admiration for Iran's accomplishments during his recent travels.
He cited a recent meeting with approximately 50 prominent scholars from African countries.
"Around 50 leading scholars from African countries were here, and I spoke to them for about 40 minutes," Ayatollah Arafi said. "All of them were amazed by the greatness they witnessed in Iran."
He said the same sense of admiration was evident during his recent visits to Iraq, Malaysia, Russia and other countries.
"This admiration is a valuable asset, but to preserve it, we must advance on all frontiers of knowledge," he said.
The Late Leader's Emphasis on Scientific and Technological Power
Ayatollah Arafi highlighted the late Leader's deep commitment to science and technology, saying it was one of the defining features of his leadership.
"Everyone witnessed this in his speeches and activities, and those who were close to him saw how much he cared about science and technology," Ayatollah Arafi said. "He followed the details of the country's scientific and technological progress step by step."
The cleric said he is confident that much of the progress Iran has made in advanced sciences and technologies would not have occurred—or would not have taken its current form—without the late Leader's dedication.
"This commitment must continue," he said.
Seminaries Must Lead Scientific Transformation
Ayatollah Arafi concluded by emphasizing the heavy responsibility borne by Islamic seminaries in this field.
"We carry a heavy burden of religious duty, and we must engage with these new frontiers using the same scholarly rigor, precision and tireless effort that our jurists, hadith scholars and great thinkers have always demonstrated," he said.
He stressed that seminaries must open new horizons, remain at the forefront of change and lead rather than follow.
"Speaking about these goals is easy, but achieving them in practice is difficult," Ayatollah Arafi acknowledged. "However, thanks be to God, our young scholars and professors possess great capacities and, together with their counterparts in universities, can traverse these paths."
He praised the Institute for Science, Civilization and Mysticism for pursuing this mission, noting that it aims to train both seminary and university cadres in these fields and to nurture the great scholars of the future.
"The institute is working to build human capital and produce knowledge for the future," Ayatollah Arafi said. "This is the path we must follow."
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