A Moulana who is currently studying to become a Mufti sent us the following regarding the Deeni harms of utilizing ChatGPT or AI – which comes directly from AI itself – “from the horse’s mouth” – which we reproduce hereunder:
The Harms of Using AI for Islamic Matters – ChatGPT
In the modern era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool used in education, communication, and problem-solving. While AI can offer convenience and speed, its use in religious contexts—especially in Islam—raises serious concerns. Islamic knowledge has always required authenticity, scholarly expertise, and deep understanding. When AI is used improperly for matters of faith, it can lead to misunderstandings, misguidance, and spiritual harm. Therefore, examining the dangers of relying on AI for Islamic matters is essential.
One of the greatest risks is the spread of incorrect or fabricated information. AI works by predicting text based on patterns, not by verifying the authenticity of religious sources. As a result, it may provide wrong explanations of Qur’anic verses, misquote hadith, or mix weak and fabricated narrations with authentic ones. Since Islamic rulings depend on precision, even a small error can mislead a person in their worship or beliefs.
Another serious harm is the absence of scholarly authority. Islamic rulings (fatwas), interpretation of scripture, and religious advice require trained scholars who understand Arabic, hadith sciences, jurisprudence (fiqh), and the principles of interpretation (usul al-fiqh). AI possesses none of these qualifications. It cannot perform ijtihad, weigh scholarly opinions, or consider the objectives of Shariah. When individuals turn to AI instead of knowledgeable scholars, they replace centuries of scholarship with an unqualified digital tool.
AI also lacks the ability to understand context and nuance, which are crucial in Islamic rulings. A fatwa often depends on personal circumstances, cultural conditions, and the details of a situation. A scholar evaluates these factors before giving an answer. AI, however, provides general responses that may not apply to the individual asking, creating the possibility of harmful or inappropriate guidance.
Additionally, reliance on AI for Islamic matters can lead to the misinterpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Tafsir is a science that requires linguistic expertise, an understanding of the reasons for revelation, and knowledge of various scholarly opinions. AI cannot appreciate the depth or spiritual meaning of divine revelation. Its simplified or inaccurate explanations can distort the true message of Islam.
Furthermore, overusing AI for religious questions weakens the role of scholars in the community. Islam encourages Muslims to seek knowledge from trustworthy, knowledgeable individuals. Replacing scholars with AI encourages a culture of “self-fatwa,” where people rely on quick answers rather than careful religious study. This can produce confusion, division, and the loss of traditional Islamic learning.
Another harm is the risk of bias or manipulation within AI systems. AI is created and trained by humans, often using sources that may include cultural bias, Orientalist interpretations, or incomplete information about Islam. Without knowing the origins of its training data, users cannot be sure that the answers reflect authentic Islamic teachings.
Finally, excessive dependence on AI may weaken a Muslim’s personal engagement with Islam. Instead of studying the Qur’an, attending classes, or seeking guidance from scholars, individuals might rely on technology for instant answers. This reduces the depth of understanding and the spiritual connection that comes from sincere learning and reflection.
In conclusion, while AI can serve as a helpful tool for basic information, it should never be relied upon for religious guidance, interpretation, or legal rulings. Islam requires accurate knowledge, scholarly qualification, and careful methodology—qualities that AI cannot possess. Therefore, Muslims must use AI with caution and prioritize learning from authentic sources and qualified scholars. By doing so, they protect their faith from confusion and preserve the integrity of Islamic knowledge.
The Moulana explained the following: This is from ChatGPT itself. It was asked for an essay on the harms of using AI for Deen and this was the write up given.
END OF THE CORRESPONDENCE EXPOSING THE HARMS OF CHATGPT AND AI FROM THE “HORSE’S MOUTH”!
Senior Ulama-e-Haq and Muftis have remarked about this Fitnah dubbed AI as, “Sugar coated Dajjaali deception/Fitnah”.
It is terribly sad to know that some students of Deen are addicted to the usage of AI – whether it is for their Dars-work/research or for mere Dunya related research. And it is disastrous to know that newly graduated Ulama use AI for researching Masaa’il. Perhaps their pathetic state of Ibaarat-reading has “forced” them to use this Dajjaali door which opens very wide to subtle disaster. That is why students of Deen should be banned from using Bushra-prints for Ibaarat-reading, especially in the Dorah class. But, Alas! Today what we see is sad, very sad.