Saudi Mosques to Dedicate Friday Sermon to Artificial Intelligence
Preachers across Saudi Arabia are set to deliver a sermon on the blessings of artificial intelligence (AI) adn the ethical considerations surrounding its use. The directive, issued by His Excellency the Minister of Islamic affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Dr.Abd al-Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, calls for the Friday sermon on 30/1/1447 AH to focus on gratitude for god’s blessings, including AI technologies.
The sermon will highlight how God has blessed humanity by enabling them to learn and harness the resources of the heavens and the earth for their benefit. It will specifically mention artificial intelligence as a tool that can enhance people’s lives,referencing the Quranic verse: “And he has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all of it – from Him. Indeed,in that are signs for a people who reflect.” The sermon will emphasize the importance of thanking God for these blessings and using them for beneficial purposes.
Moreover, the directive warns against the misuse of AI and social media in ways that contradict Islamic teachings. This includes prohibitions against lying, defamation, slander, and forgery, such as falsifying images, audio, and video clips, or impersonating individuals. The sermon will caution against using these technologies to distort facts, spread misinformation, harm reputations, prejudice innocent individuals, or fabricate false religious rulings attributed to scholars. It will remind people of the Quranic admonition: “And whoever commits a sin, commits it only against himself.”
The sermon will also underscore the responsibility of Muslims to verify and authenticate news before disseminating it, urging them not to accept everything published through modern technologies without critical evaluation. This aligns with the hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, where the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) stated…
The directive further warns about the severe consequences of spreading lies and slander on societies and individuals. It references the hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Omar,where the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says about a believer something that is not true,God will detain him in the mire of the discharge of the inhabitants of the fire until he comes out from what he said.”
7 · Compliance & Disclaimers
This article discusses religious guidance and technological ethics.It does not constitute financial, legal, or health advice.
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