UAE explores AI integration in fatwa issuance to support Islamic values and ensure ethical, secure religious guidance.
CAIRO: The United Arab Emirates is introducing artificial intelligence into its fatwa process to support Islamic values and promote accurate, ethical digital religious guidance. This new step ensures that AI in fatwa issuance is used responsibly within a secure and faith-based framework.
At the “Making of the Competent Mufti in the Digital Age” conference in Cairo, the UAE Council for Fatwa revealed its plans to modernise religious services with AI. Delegates Dr Omar Habtoor Al Derei and Dr Saba Salem Al Kaabi emphasised the importance of civilised institutional ijtihad supported by secure tech systems.
These new methods for fatwa issuance are not about replacing scholars but about supporting them with AI tools for research and content management. The focus remains on accurate, moderate, and timely religious rulings aligned with Islamic values.
Discussions also included coordination with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, highlighting the shared goal of safe regional implementation of technology in faith services.
Importantly, the UAE Council for Fatwa stressed safeguards to prevent misuse. Secure data environments and monitoring systems will prevent extremist content or misinterpretation of digital fatwas.
By embracing AI in fatwa issuance, the UAE is showing how technology and tradition can work together to serve communities respectfully and effectively.
