The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence
BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies June 15, 2026 DOI: 10.65662/balagh.1870689 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Humanity Consciousness Islam Endowment Human life Human being Fiqh Epistemology |
| Key points | Argues that the ultimate alignment problem lies in aligning human technological development with wisdom, humility, and a proper understanding of humanity's ultimate purpose, not in aligning machine behavior with human values. |
Abstract
Research Problem: The development of artificial intelligence (AI) functions as an unprecedented mirror, reflecting remarkable capacities yet fundamental limitations of human nature across philosophical, ethical, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions.
Method: Adopting a critical correlation methodology, the study conducts a systematic textual analysis of primary Qur’ānic and classical Islamic philosophical sources—principally 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, including recent debates on machine consciousness (Butlin et al. 2023; Chalmers 2023) and AI ethics (Russell 2019; Floridi 2023). It argues that the ultimate “alignment problem” lies not in aligning machine behavior with human values, but in aligning human technological development with wisdom, humility, and a proper understanding of humanity’s ultimate purpose. From the Islamic perspective, consciousness (rūḥ) transcends computational simulation, as it is rooted in divine endowment rather than material complexity.
Results: The human being possesses genuine capacities for insight and progress, yet remains persistently inclined toward reductionism, moral displacement, and spiritual confusion.
Conclusion: AI does not emerge as a replacement for humanity but as its most profound teacher. Genuine benefit ultimately depends upon spiritual and moral reformation.