Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence in the Process of Shi’i Ijtihad

• Published in: Religions (Basel, Switzerland ) Vol. 15; no. 5; p. 541
• Main Author: Latifi, Hasan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-05-2024
• Subjects: AI hallucination; Algorithms; Artificial intelligence; authority of AI; generative AI; Generative artificial intelligence; ijtihad; Islamic law; Islamic religious practice; Language; Machine learning; Religion; Religious aspects; Shia Islam; Shi’a Islam; Technology application; transparent AI; Iran
• ISSN: 2077-1444; 2077-1444
• DOI: 10.3390/rel15050541

This article aims to explore the potential challenges that may arise when employing generative AI models in the process of Shi’i ijtihad. By drawing upon academic literature and relevant primary sources, the essay surveys the most critical AI-related hurdles in this field, including issues of accessibility, privacy concerns, the problem of “AI hallucination” and the generative nature of AI models, biases in AI systems, the lack of transparency and inexplicability, the intricacies of interpreting and understanding sensitive topics, accountability, authority, trust and acceptance among lay believers. Using discourse and content analysis as method, the article concludes that, given these challenges, generative AI models are not yet suitable for utilization in this process. However, the rapid progress in AI may eventually make it an effective tool for this purpose.