UAE Council For Fatwa Explores Innovative AI Applications In Fatwa Issuance At Cairo Conference

The UAE Council for Fatwa took part in a conference in Cairo titled "Making of the Competent Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." Organised by Egypt's General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, this event aimed to explore the integration of AI in fatwa issuance. The Council's delegation conveyed Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah's greetings and his hopes for the conference's success in promoting moderate and effective fatwas.

Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Derei, Vice Chairman of the Council, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the fatwa system from becoming fragile. He stressed preparing for AI challenges with institutional strategies that uphold legitimate principles and prevent misuse of fatwas for extremist purposes. This involves leveraging technical expertise and creating secure databases.

The conference featured sessions and workshops on AI's role in fatwa issuance. Discussions focused on aligning technological advancements with legitimate principles and national interests. Dr. Saba Salem Al Kaabi, Acting Secretary-General, emphasised that this digital era demands a balanced approach that keeps pace with changes while maintaining the authenticity of fatwas.

Dr. Kaabi also noted that the conference is a vital platform for sharing knowledge on using AI technologies in institutional fatwa issuance. He pointed out that adopting a moderate methodology is essential to adapt to technological developments without compromising the core message of fatwas.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Council, underscored the conference's significance in enhancing the fatwa system. He called for global cooperation to achieve civilised institutional ijtihad (independent reasoning) and provide moderate, flexible fatwas that support stability, citizenship values, and comprehensive development.

The UAE delegation included Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri and Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Haddad, alongside other council members. They actively participated in discussions about AI applications in fatwa issuance and how these can be aligned with legitimate principles.

The event highlighted the need for global efforts to develop a robust fatwa system characterised by moderation and flexibility. Such efforts aim to support societal stability, citizenship values, and comprehensive development through civilised institutional ijtihad.

The conference served as a crucial platform for exchanging expertise on employing AI technologies in institutional fatwa issuance. It emphasised adopting a moderate methodology that keeps pace with developments while preserving the authenticity of the fatwa message.

With inputs from WAM