Islam and artificial intelligence in war
Today, Artificial Intelligence is in all fields of life, one of them is war, We will discuss more about Islam and Artificial Intelligence in War, such as AI, drones, and autonomous weapons in warfare, focusing on moral responsibility, civilian safety, and just conduct.
Islam emphasizes ethical conduct even in warfare, guiding the use of artificial intelligence, drones, and autonomous weapons. Decisions must uphold justice, protect civilians, and ensure accountability, aligning technological power with moral and Shariah principles.
AI-powered systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and autonomous robots are transforming modern battlefields. These weapons provide strategic advantages: they can act faster than humans, take greater risks, and may reduce human casualties on the side that deploys them. But while they offer efficiency, they also raise deep ethical concerns: what if they make the wrong decision, or target civilians? Who is responsible for their actions?
A fundamental dilemma arises: can Islamic morality justify a machine making life-and-death decisions? AI weapons lack human qualities no conscience, no regret, no mercy. From an Islamic standpoint, moral responsibility and niyyah (intention) are essential in evaluating actions. If a robot kills innocents, accountability becomes complex: is it the programmer, the military operator, or the state that should be judged?
Islam strongly prohibits unjust aggression and emphasizes accountability in war.
The Qur’an states:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190)
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
Classical Islamic teachings forbid targeting non-combatants such as women, children, the elderly, and those not engaged in hostilities. Islam prohibits the destruction of property, the burning of crops, or the mutilation. In addition, these rules reflect Islam’s commitment to justice (ʿadl) and the protection of innocent life.
References:
Dar Al Ifta. Ethics of war in Islam.
Open Madrasa. Islamic ethics in warfare.
At the heart of Islamic law are maqasid al-shariah, the higher objectives of the Shariah, which include preserving life, intellect, property, dignity, and faith. When deploying AI weapons, these objectives demand that force be used in a way that doesn’t undermine human dignity or create unchecked destruction. Moreover, The use of autonomous machines must align with these moral ends, avoiding corruption and ensuring accountability.
Given the emergence of AI-powered autonomous weapons, there is a pressing need for ethical treaties that integrate both international humanitarian law and Islamic moral values. In addition, Islamic scholars and policymakers should advocate for frameworks that require human oversight, restrict the deployment of fully autonomous lethal systems, and enforce accountability.
Related posts: Artificial Intelligence between creativity and threat
In conclusion, toward “Moral Intelligence” Over Artificial Intelligence, Islam doesn’t reject technological progress, but it demands to pair intelligence with ethics. In war, “moral intelligence” (not just artificial intelligence) should guide decisions.
Artificial intelligence in war is used for drones, autonomous weapons, and surveillance, enhancing efficiency and precision. It becomes haram if it targets civilians, causes unjust harm, or violates ethical and Shariah principles.
Artificial intelligence is not inherently haram in Islam; its permissibility depends on ethical use, intention, and whether it respects Shariah principles, human dignity, and the protection of life.
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