Islamic Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology: A Moral Perspective

on March 18, 2025

Introduction

Technology is evolving at a mind-blowing pace. From AI making decisions in hospitals and courts to genetic engineering rewriting human DNA, science is pushing boundaries like never before. But with great power comes great responsibility. Are we crossing ethical lines? Are these innovations helping humanity or creating new moral dilemmas?

Islam offers a structured ethical framework that ensures technological progress aligns with justice (Adl), harm prevention (Darar), public interest (Maslaha), and human dignity (Karamah Insaniyah). This article dives into the fascinating (and sometimes controversial) world of AI and biotechnology from an Islamic perspective. Let’s see how scholars, Fatwas, and case studies guide us in navigating these modern challenges.

Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Ethics

AI and Human Free Will: Can Machines Make Moral Decisions?

Imagine an AI system that decides who gets a loan, who gets hired, or even who goes to jail. Sounds efficient, right? But what happens when that system gets it wrong? AI lacks human judgment, empathy, and—most importantly—moral accountability.

Islam teaches that humans are responsible for their choices:

"Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful."
— (Surah Al-Insan, 76:3)

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl (USA): AI should assist but never replace human decision-making. Machines don’t have moral reasoning.

Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam (UK): AI can't judge Islamic legal matters because it lacks intention (Niyyah) and the ability to repent (Tawbah).

Real-Life Example: AI in Criminal Justice

Some U.S. courts use AI to predict crime and suggest sentences. Sounds fair? Not really. Studies show these AI systems often discriminate against minorities. That’s a huge ethical problem. Islamic scholars warn against relying on AI for legal decisions because it lacks Taqwa (moral consciousness) and Ijtihad (context-based reasoning).

Bias in AI: Can Machines Be Unfair?

AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. And if that data contains human biases, the AI will reflect them. Islam strictly commands fairness:

"And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness."
— (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:8)

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

Dr. Ali Gomaa (Egypt): AI must promote justice, not reinforce discrimination.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah (UAE): AI systems must align with Maqasid al-Shariah (Islamic objectives) like fairness in employment and finance.

Real-Life Example: AI in Hiring

In 2018, Amazon scrapped an AI hiring tool that preferred male candidates over women. Why? Because it was trained on past hiring data that favored men! Islam teaches that hiring should be based on merit, not biased algorithms.

AI and Privacy: Is Mass Surveillance Ethical?

Ever feel like your phone is listening to you? AI-driven facial recognition and mass surveillance raise serious privacy concerns. And in Islam, privacy is a basic right:

"And do not spy on one another."
— (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:12)

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

Mufti Taqi Usmani (Pakistan): Surveillance is okay for public safety, but personal privacy (Hurmat al-Hayat) must be respected.

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf (USA): AI surveillance must be regulated to prevent abuse.

Real-Life Example: AI Surveillance in China

China uses AI to monitor Uyghur Muslims, leading to human rights violations. Many Islamic scholars have condemned such unethical surveillance practices.

Biotechnology in Islamic Ethics

Genetic Modification: Are We Playing God?

Genetic engineering can cure diseases, but it also raises big questions: Are we interfering with Allah’s creation? The Quran warns about changing human nature:

"And I will command them, so they will change the creation of Allah."
— (Surah An-Nisa, 4:119)

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy allows gene editing for medical treatment but forbids enhancements (like increasing intelligence or beauty).

Real-Life Example: CRISPR Babies in China

In 2018, a Chinese scientist used CRISPR technology to genetically modify twin babies. This sparked outrage worldwide. Islamic ethics support genetic research for healing but not for altering human identity.

Cloning: Ethical or Unnatural?

Islam allows animal cloning for medical research but prohibits human cloning because it disrupts identity and lineage (Nasl).

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

Al-Azhar (Egypt): In 1997, they ruled that human cloning is forbidden as it violates human dignity.

Real-Life Example: Dolly the Sheep

When scientists cloned Dolly the sheep in 1996, the world started debating human cloning. Islamic scholars were clear: cloning animals for medical purposes is fine, but cloning humans crosses an ethical line.

Stem Cell Research and Organ Transplants: Saving Lives or Crossing Limits?

Stem cell research and organ transplants can save lives, but they must be done ethically. Islam encourages saving lives:

"Whoever saves a life, it is as if he saved all of humanity."
— (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)

What Do Islamic Scholars Say?

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars: Stem cell research is allowed if it doesn’t involve destroying embryos.

Sheikh Ibn Baz (KSA): Organ donation is permitted if done ethically and with informed consent.

Real-Life Issue: Organ Trafficking

In some countries, illegal organ trade exploits the poor. Islamic scholars stress that organ donation must be voluntary, not a business.

Conclusion

AI and biotechnology hold incredible potential—but they also come with moral risks. From biased algorithms to genetic modifications, these technologies must align with Islamic ethics. The key principles?

✅ Promote public benefit (Maslaha)
✅ Prevent harm (Darar)
✅ Uphold justice and human dignity
✅ Stay within Shariah guidelines

By integrating Islamic values into AI and biotechnology, scholars, scientists, and policymakers can lead ethical innovation that benefits humanity without compromising morality.

What do you think? Should AI and genetic engineering have ethical boundaries, or should science push forward without restrictions? Let’s discuss!

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