Presented by Zia H Shah MD

Background and Tafsīr: Surah al-Isrāʾ (17) verses 80–82 occur during the Prophet’s migration (hijrah) from Mecca to Medina. Classical tafsīr notes 17:80 was revealed when Muslims were expelled: “My Lord, cause me to enter by a sound entrance and exit by a sound exit, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority” myislam.org. Early scholars explain “enter” and “exit” as the Prophet’s migration, and the “supporting authority” as God’s promise of power to establish justice myislam.orgmyislam.org. Verse 81 then proclaims, “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished; surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish” quran.com, heralding the final triumph of divine truth. Verse 82 follows that “We send down the Qur’an as healing and mercy for the believers, but it only increases the wrongdoers in loss” quran.com. In context, Muslims interpret this as affirming that the Qur’an contains ultimate spiritual truth and moral guidance, a “healing” for the faithful even as it is rejected by others. These verses emphasize that Islam’s truth claims are divinely grounded: the Prophet’s plea for a “supporting authority” anticipates God’s own role in vindicating the message, and the emphatic victory of “truth” over “falsehood” underscores the absolute, God-given nature of Islamic truth.

Haqq versus Bāṭil: In Islamic theology, ḥaqq (truth) denotes divine reality and justice, whereas bāṭil (falsehood) has no enduring substance. As Q17:81 states, falsehood is inherently transient. Philosophically, this reflects the Quranic idea that truth is absolute and God-given, not subject to human fabrication or falsification. The Prophet’s prayer in 17:80 seeks righteous “entry and exit” under God’s guidance, implying that one’s life journey and actions must align with al-Ḥaqq, the ultimate reality. From this perspective, AI—as a human-created “mind” or system—can at best process information but cannot originate the foundational truths of existence. In the Qur’ān, truth is often linked to God’s own speech and attributes (e.g. Q4:82, Q2:105). No artificial system can generate an equivalent of revelation; indeed traditional theology holds that only a prophet can truly convey divine knowledge (and God strictly guards the miraculous nature of the Qur’an’s truth). Thus, while AI might compile and analyze facts, the ontological status of truth in Islam remains bound to God. AI can pose epistemological challenges (for example, by producing plausible falsehoods), but it cannot demonstrate the ultimate truth of Islam on its own terms. At best, AI can illuminate certain data-driven patterns or assist human scholars in exploring the text, as we discuss below, but it is subordinate to the human heart (qalb) that ultimately discerns meaning.

Image: An AI-driven system (here, a humanoid robot at a blackboard) symbolizes modern efforts to process and reason with information. In Islamic thought the “mind’s” analysis is important, but true comprehension (fikr) is ultimately rooted in the heart (qalb) and revelationmdpi.com.

Epistemological Issues – Revelation vs. Algorithm: Islamic epistemology holds that true knowledge of God and ultimate reality comes through revelation (waḥy) and guided reason. The Qur’ān repeatedly appeals to believers to “think” and “reflect” (e.g. Q47:24, Q30:8). However, Islam does not equate reasoning with pure empiricism; it emphasizes that human intellect (‘aql) has limits and must be guided by God’s word. Notably, recent scholarship stresses that understanding in Islam is rooted in the heart (qalb), not just the abstract mindmdpi.com. The Qur’an even says of disbelievers: “They have hearts wherewith they understand not” (7:179). In this light, AI’s “intelligence” – however advanced – lacks the spiritual awareness of the heart. As Abdelnour observes, “revelation descends upon the Prophet’s heart, not merely the mind”mdpi.com. Thus, any purely computational approach (like an AI model parsing texts) risks missing that spiritual dimension. AI systems can analyze linguistic structure and patterns: for example, Madadizadeh and Bahariniya (2023) note that NLP algorithms could cross-reference verses and suggest semantic connections in the Qur’anpublish.kne-publishing.com. AI chatbots might answer factual Quranic questions or aid translation. In principle, such tools could enhance access to Qur’anic knowledge (improving accuracy of translation, identifying thematic links)publish.kne-publishing.compublish.kne-publishing.com. They could serve Islam’s maqāṣid (higher objectives) by educating underserved communities.

However, caution is paramount. Islam has long held that textual exegesis (tafsīr) and law (fiqh) require a nuanced hermeneutical tradition (including ijāz, linguistic context, chains of narration, and ijtihād, scholarly reasoning) – not mere pattern matching. As Abdelnour notes, AI outputs may mimic scholarly language, but lack true ijtihād and can be mistaken as authoritativemdpi.com. The Qur’ān describes itself as “healing for believers” (17:82) – it is both medicine for the soul and a guide, not to be treated as data to be fully consumed by artificial means. In fact, one modern analysis warns against offloading this sacred intellectual engagement: “To offload [human reflection] onto AI is not only imprudent—it is potentially spiritually corrosive”mdpi.com. In short, AI can be a tool to support human inquiry, but Islamic thought requires humans to exercise moral intention (niyyah) and communal vetting in interpreting revelationmdpi.commdpi.com.

Psychological Perspective – Mind, Bias, and AI: From a cognitive-science viewpoint, humans are prone to bias, and we may project expectations onto AI. Indeed, experiments show that people often believe AI-generated content without skepticismsapienceinstitute.org. For example, AI-driven “deepfake” sermons or fake religious endorsements can mislead vulnerable audiences. The Qur’ānic injunction “Say: ‘Truth has come…falsehood will vanish’” (17:81) reminds believers that God’s word is true even if it sounds strange to hear it (as in the Billy Graham deepfake praising Islam)sapienceinstitute.org. Psychologically, individuals might trust the smooth answers of a chatbot or the authority of “algorithms,” potentially confusing AI output with divine truth. The Zurich study cited by Latiff shows AI bots could persuade people six times more effectively than humanssapienceinstitute.org, highlighting the risk that clever AI could subtly erode conviction or spread misinformation. This is especially concerning given that Islam enjoins the use of intellect (tafaqquh fi’l-dīn) and warns against blindly following mere rhetoric.

Conversely, AI may also help overcome psychological barriers in learning. Islamic educational apps (e.g. AI tutors for Quranic recitation) use machine learning to adapt to individual students. These can support the verse’s aim of “entering by a sound entrance” – in effect, guiding learners into true understanding of Islam. Some have argued that AI Qur’an-engagement tools could revolutionize pedagogy, since the Qur’an “attaches special importance to reason, science and technology”publish.kne-publishing.compublish.kne-publishing.com. Indeed, believers hungry for knowledge (mustalmah) may find AI-driven study aides beneficial (like intelligent Tajwīd coaches). Yet this benefit is contingent on human oversight. Machine translation or auto-commentary can introduce subtle errors; the authors Madadizadeh and Bahariniya caution that AI’s use “must be approached with caution” under expert supervision to avoid misinterpretationpublish.kne-publishing.com. In sum, cognitively, AI can enhance learning and retention, but it can also exploit human trust and produce “hallucinated” contentsapienceinstitute.org. Believers must remain critical, anchoring themselves in revealed truth that AI cannot change.

Ethical Considerations: Islam’s ethical framework emphasizes justice, stewardship, and the common good. Verse 17:80’s plea for “supporting authority” implicitly connects faith with righteous power to enact justice. Modern Muslim scholars apply concepts like ijtihād, maṣlaḥa (public interest), and sadd al-ḏharā’iʿ (blocking harmful means) to technologymdpi.com. AI raises new maṣāʾil sharʿiyya (ethical questions). For instance, if AI systems make life-and-death decisions or filter religious content, Muslims ask: are these aligned with Shariah values? A key principle is that AI, like any tool, is morally neutral; humans remain khalā’if (stewards) responsible for outcomesmdpi.commdpi.com. The Qur’an states, “Indeed, God will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11), implying humans must morally orient technology first.

From verse 17:80’s request for authority, we infer that power must be exercised justly. AI algorithms should thus be programmed to reduce bias, protect dignity, and promote equity. This echoes general Islamic ethics: e.g. ensuring AI upholds justice and compassion rather than entrenching injustice. The MDPI study highlights Islamic tech ethics: tools must align with intentions and avoid harmmdpi.commdpi.com. On a societal level, Islamic thinkers urge that AI-driven economies must respect economic justice; the ULC faith-blog notes Muslim ethicists worry about AI’s impact on employment and insist it serve “greater good”ulc.org.

Comparatively, other faiths voice similar ethical caution. Christian leaders emphasize that technology must respect human dignity and never be idolizedulc.orgnewsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. Judaism’s principle of tikkun ʿolam (“repairing the world”) likewise endorses innovations that heal (like medical AI) but warns against dehumanizationulc.org. Buddhism and Hinduism stress compassion and mindful use of techulc.orgulc.org. All traditions share core values: fairness, dignity, and intentionality. An interfaith statement by an LDS apostle summarized it: “AI is not and cannot be God… [it] cannot provide inspired divine truth or independent moral guidance”newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. This mirrors the Quranic view that ultimate guidance is from God. A modern admonition captures this: “No set of utilitarian AI algorithms should determine our most treasured human values and spiritual experiences”newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. In an Islamic ethic of technology, AI must be a means toward human betterment; it must not displace the Sharī‘a aim of nurturing faith and community.

Spiritual Dimension – Heart and Worship: Verse 17:82 calls the Qur’an “shifāʾan wa raḥmatan li’l-mu’minīn” (healing and mercy for believers). This underscores that the ultimate benefit of truth is spiritual transformation. AI cannot provide this inner healing – it can share information, but it has no capacity for ibādah (worship) or spiritual empathy. As Abdelnour notes, AI might mimic ritual form (an AI could “recite” the Qur’an or lead prayer textually), but it lacks a soul and cannot fulfill the ontological essence of worshipmdpi.com. True guidance in Islam is tied to ḥaqīqa (spiritual reality) rather than ṣūrah (external form). For example, an AI-led prayer would be a performative act without niyyah (sincere intention), which Islam sees as the very core of worship.

Islamic psychology teaches that qalb (heart) is the seat of understanding and faith, beyond what the brain (or code) can grasp. Verse 26:194 even says revelation descends upon the Prophet’s heartmdpi.com. Thus, knowledge of God is inseparable from spiritual receptivity. This has practical implications: we should not outsource our tawassul (seeking help) to machines. The Qur’an urges believers to reflect (yatafakkarūn) and use reason (yaʿqilūn) as acts of worshipmdpi.com. If we treat AI as a shortcut for these sacred tasks, we risk spiritual lethargy. The Sapience essay warns that relying too much on AI for “truth” could erode authentic discoursesapienceinstitute.org. Instead, Muslims are taught to commune directly with the Divine through prayer and Scripture. As one speaker put it: “spiritual truth and light come from understanding who God is in creation… platforms and technologies cannot substitute for authentic Divine connection”newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org.

At the same time, AI could support spiritual life in positive ways: e.g. apps for Qur’an memorization or community-building. But these remain supports, akin to the “supporting authority” sought in 17:80. Ultimately, the verse 17:82 reminds believers that true “healing” comes from living the Qur’an’s guidance. AI has no capability to experience mercy or faith. Instead, it should be guided by those who do: humans with ḥusn al-niyyah (good intent) and awareness of the ākhirah (hereafter). Islamic teaching urges that even when using advanced knowledge, one must do so with humility and remembrance of God.

Conclusion: Quran 17:80–82 affirms that Islam’s truth is anchored in God’s revelation and will prevail over error. In the age of AI, this invites both hope and caution. On one hand, AI tools can democratize access to knowledge (witness educational Qur’an apps) and assist Muslims in learning and community welfarepublish.kne-publishing.comulc.org. On the other hand, artificial “reason” cannot replace the spiritual and ethical matrix of Islam. The Qur’ān and Prophetic tradition consistently warn that not all that glitters is truth (e.g. “many will claim ‘we believe’ but enter not the fold” Q2:8–10). AI’s seductive outputs must be weighed against this. As believers seek al-Ḥaqq, they are reminded of their caliphate role – to steer technology in line with divine valuesihrc.org.uk. Ultimately, AI might illuminate patterns or solve practical problems, but it cannot prove or realize Islam’s ultimate truth. That task remains with the human heart guided by divine scripture. As Q17:80’s prayer implies, every true “entrance” (insight) and “exit” (judgment) must be with God’s permission and “by truth”, not by the simulacra of machinesmyislam.orgquran.com. The shared voice of the world’s faiths is clear: technology must serve but not supplant spiritual truthnewsroom.churchofjesuschrist.orgulc.org. In this light, AI is a new test of our faith and ethics, inviting us to reaffirm that ultimate truth rests with God’s revelation and humanity’s responsible stewardship, not with code.

Sources: Exegetical and theological sources (Ibn Kathir, Qur’ān translations) for versesmyislam.orgquran.comquran.com; Islamic scholarship on AI (Abdelnour 2025, Chaudhary 2024, etc.) for tech ethics and heart-vs-mind distinctionsmdpi.commdpi.com; contemporary studies on AI in religionpublish.kne-publishing.comsapienceinstitute.org; and interfaith perspectivesnewsroom.churchofjesuschrist.orgulc.org.