The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence
BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies June 15, 2026 Muhammad Imran Saleem Channar
Artificial intelligence reveals both human capabilities and fundamental limitations across philosophical, ethical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions. Through systematic analysis of Qur’ānic and classical Islamic sources—including al-Ghazālī’s Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn, Ibn Sīnā’s al-Shifāʾ, and al-Māturīdī’s Kitāb al-Tawḥīd—in dialogue with contemporary AI research, the work argues that the core challenge is not aligning machines with human values but aligning technological development with wisdom and humility. Consciousness (rūḥ) is rooted in divine endowment, not computational simulation. Humans possess genuine capacities but remain inclined toward reductionism and moral displacement. AI serves as a teacher, not replacement; benefit depends on spiritual and moral reformation.