Research Article

The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence

Volume: 6 Number: 1 June 15, 2026
TR EN AR

The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence

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.

Keywords

References

  1. Akiti, M. Afifi. “The Good Muslim: The Ontology of Intelligence in the Islamic Tradition”. The Edge of Humanity. Edited by. M. A. Munshi. Leicestershire: Kube Publishing, 2020.
  2. Angwin, Julia et al. “Machine Bias”. ProPublica (2016).
  3. Bukhārī, Muḥammad b. Ismāʿīl. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Beirut: Dār Ibn Kathīr, 2002.
  4. Block, Ned. “On a Confusion about a Function of Consciousness”. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 18/2 (1995).
  5. Butlin, Patrick et al. “Consciousness in Artificial Intelligence: Insights from the Science of Consciousness”. arXiv:2308.08708 (2023).
  6. Chalmers, David J. “Could a Large Language Model Be Conscious?”. Boston Review (2023).
  7. Chalmers, David J. The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
  8. Chaudhary, Yaqub. AI and the Artificialisation of Reality: An Islamic Metaphysical Critique. London: Kube Publishing, 2024.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Islamic Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 15, 2026

Submission Date

January 24, 2026

Acceptance Date

April 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 1

APA
Channar, M. I. S. (2026). The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies, 6(1), 107-121. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1870689
AMA
1.Channar MIS. The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence. BALAGH. 2026;6(1):107-121. doi:10.65662/balagh.1870689
Chicago
Channar, Muhammad Imran Saleem. 2026. “The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 6 (1): 107-21. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1870689.
EndNote
Channar MIS (June 1, 2026) The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 6 1 107–121.
IEEE
[1]M. I. S. Channar, “The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence”, BALAGH, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 107–121, June 2026, doi: 10.65662/balagh.1870689.
ISNAD
Channar, Muhammad Imran Saleem. “The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies 6/1 (June 1, 2026): 107-121. https://doi.org/10.65662/balagh.1870689.
JAMA
1.Channar MIS. The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence. BALAGH. 2026;6:107–121.
MLA
Channar, Muhammad Imran Saleem. “The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence”. BALAGH - Journal of Islamic and Humanities Studies, vol. 6, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 107-21, doi:10.65662/balagh.1870689.
Vancouver
1.Muhammad Imran Saleem Channar. The Rūḥ and Algorithm: An Islamic Critique of Artificial Intelligence. BALAGH. 2026 Jun. 1;6(1):107-21. doi:10.65662/balagh.1870689

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