Can a Machine Issue Islamic Fatwas?

By Mona Madkour

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat- A controversial new electronic device could revolutionize the field of Islamic jurisprudence and allegedly issue more accurate Shariah fatwas [religious edicts]. The device, currently in production in France, will be known as the 'Electronic Mufti' and will depend on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to issue opinions on contemporary Muslim affairs and matters.
Asharq Al-Awsat met with the only Arab participating in the production of this machine, Engineer Dr. Anas Fawzi, who hails from Egypt and is a communications expert who is part of the team based in France.
He describes the device as "a very large capacity computer on which all the information that is relevant to a given [historical] figure is uploaded; everything that has been mentioned in history books or chronicled documents that indicate his/her responses and attitudes towards all positions adopted in his/her life. Through a process that relies on AI, the computer then simulates responses based on the available data so that the answers are the expected response that the person in question would give if they were alive," said Dr. Fawzi.
"The device deduces the expected response through consulting thousands of examples that have been uploaded on to the machine, pertaining to that person whilst taking into account their reactions so that it may relate the expected response in accordance with their personality as created by the Artificial Intelligence apparatus," explained Dr. Fawzi.
Regarding the team working to implement this project, Dr. Fawzi said that the creation of this machine is undertaken by a group of French scientists and that it is not available to the public.
He added, "Despite the success of research over the past decades, [AI] is still incapable of fully knowing and familiarizing itself with the human mind's operations. There are also considerable attempts being made to make AI machines 'translate' human emotions and reactions from sadness to joy and compassion, among other human feelings."
In terms of the nationalities of the scientists and their fields of specialization, Dr. Fawzi said, "Scientists who have invented this device [electronic mufti] hail from various different nations. I am honoured to be part of this unprecedented scientific achievement. Through my work and residence in France for many long years, I am proud to be working with an exemplary large team where dozens of specializations abound."
In terms of implementing this technology and benefitting from it in the realm of Islam and fatwas, Dr. Fawzi said, "Although a team has assembled and uploaded all the information that is available about the Prophet Mohammed in [canonical] Islamic history books, the holy Quran and what is known about his life through Sunnah," he acknowledges that it would be highly controversial – if not downright contentious – to implement this.
Notwithstanding, he revealed, "I have consulted with several Islamic scholars and clerics in elevated positions – there is no need to mention their names so as to avoid stirring up public opinion – however, they have assured me that such a device is not 'haram' [prohibited by Islam]. But there are fears and scepticism regarding misuse and causing any misrepresentation or defamation to the figure of the Prophet. There are also fears in terms of Arab and Islamic public opinion and their acceptance of a machine such as this."
Dr. Fawzi expressed his aspiration to supervise over a team that could be headed by a group of Islamic clerics who would be directly responsible for all the religious edicts that can be sent to anyone anywhere in the world via email or through mobile phones or even using telephones so that questions may be posed directly.
Regarding the views of various Islamic scholars and clerics about this device, the Egyptian Awqaf [Religious Endowments] Ministry's First Undersecretary for Preaching Affairs, Dr. Shawqi Abdel Latif said with regards to the concept of 'simulating' the figure of the Prophet of Islam to serve the Islamic religion in accordance with special conditions: "the idea is a noble one if indeed it calls for Muslim unity in matters of religion in light of the satellite [channel] wars that the Muslim endure, in addition to the incapability of the relevant bodies of formulating and setting forth ideas in the interest of Muslims. However, I strongly stress that there is no machine or human mind capable of simulating the figure of the Prophet regardless of their knowledge or immensely advanced technological capabilities."
He also added that, "God Almighty blessed the Prophet and chose him and you cannot transcend over the rest of the creatures to be like him; the true differentiating factor here is Revelation. The incorrect interpretation of the Quranic verse 'Say: I am only a mortal like you' (Surat al Kahf 18:110) does not in any way mean that there is any similitude between us and the Prophet or between him and any famous figure that the machine can simulate."
Dr. Abdel Latif continued to say that, "If they wanted to apply this machine's capabilities to Islam then the sole condition would be that it serve the implementation of Islamic Shariah and unite the religions fatwas [religious edicts] and ijtihad [independent Islamic interpretation]. This can be achieved through the formation of an Al-Azhar religious committee that could attribute what has been issued by the machine to be in accordance with Islamic Shariah – not according to what the Prophet has said."
As for Dr. Mustafa al Swahili, professor at Al-Azhar University, he totally rejects the concept behind this machine and said, "I am in complete agreement that Islam is a glorious science and that it invites interpretation – so long as it does not violate the religion. I believe a device such as this will create confusion among the people since no matter how advanced science is; it will still have limitations because simulation is limited and does not yield full answers."
However, Dr. al Swahili stressed the importance of seeking knowledge and confirmed that it is an Islamic duty to always seek and further knowledge.

Kingdom's General Mufti addresses Muslims on the advent of Hajj

Riyadh, 12 Dec 07

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, General Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Religious Research Department, advised the pilgrims to avail themselves of the Hajj season to augment their loyal practices to Almighty Allah and increase whatever pleases Him and refrain from whatever outrages Him so that their Hajj turns to be a complete success.
In an address to all Muslims on the occasion of Hajj of this year, the General Mufti cited a number of verses from the holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) explaining the holiness of Makkah and Kaaba (the house of God).
In both Makkah and Madinah, it is prohibited to kill any soul, cut any plant or hunt any animal, the Mufti said, citing Prophet Mohammed's instructions.
Then he explained the significance of prayers in the Makkah-based Grand Mosque and Madinah-based Prophet's Mosque. One prayer in the prophet's mosque equals 1,000 prayers outside, except in the Grand mosque, the Prophet was quoted as saying, and adding that a prayer in the grand mosque exceeds one in my mosque by 100 points.
The Mufti illustrated the sanctuary of Makkah as a direction for Muslims, dead or alive. Muslims turn to Makkah whenever they perform prayers from everywhere in the world or while calling or appealing for God to help them. Muslims also turn the heads of their dead towards the direction of Kaaba before burying them, the Mufti said.
The Mufti quoted the Prophet as telling his companions that Makkah was the loveliest land for him and that he swore that if he were not driven out of it by his then foes, he would never have left it.
Al Al-Sheikh explained that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Qualifying conditions for a Muslim to perform Hajj are being wise, adult, free and physically and financial able to do it. In addition, women should have legal companions with them, he said.
He stated that a pilgrim who plans to go to Hajj ought to repent to God so as to pave the way for forgiveness.
Dressing the Ihram (white untailored two-piece dress) from a certain point before entering the Hajj sacred area is the practical translation of this will and the start of the journey to Allah, the Mufti said. He then narrated the stations of the journey and its major developments to Makkah until heading back home. Tawaf Al-Godoom or greeting circumambulation around Kaaba is the beginning of the journey of worshipping. This is followed by a preparatory night stay in Mina before ascending to Arafat. This was named Al-Tarwiyah day after the Prophet's filling his tanks and bowels with water in preparation for a journey to the valley of Arafat. They assemble and shorten their Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers. On top, at and around Arafat mount, pilgrims should stay the day worshipping and appealing for forgiveness. This is the peak of Hajj which ends by sunset, when Muslims move back to Muzdalifah to stay the night. There, they perform the missed Maghrib (sunset) and late Isha (evening) prayers together. Isha prayers is shorted to half while Maghrib remains three bows. At dawn, they head back to Mina valley to stay the next two to three nights. As soon as they reach Mina, pilgrims throw the stones at the Great Devil with seven tiny stones they collected from Muzdalifah valley. Then they go downtown Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadha, the major circumambulation before turning back to Mina to complete the two to three stay. The second day in Mina is the day to stone the three devils successively. The ritual is repeated the next day. If a pilgrim plans to end his stay in Mina due to personal circumstances at home, he ought to quit before sunset. Otherwise, he should stay the night there. The next day, he throws the devils for the third time and quits for Makkah. There, pilgrims perform Tawaf Al-Wada'a whenever they decide to leave, bidding the holy city farewell.
The Mufti quoted holy verses of Quran warning against committing acts that mar the security, safety and comfort of other pilgrims and the holy calm city.
Al Al-Sheikh said Almighty Allah has fortunately granted the rule of this sacred place to wise and good rulers who realize the greatness of Allah, his house and sanctuaries. The rulers of this land have put all the wealth and capabilities of this country under the disposal of the two holy Harams.
He pointed to the regulations and rules enacted by the leaders of this country to safeguard the general interest of pilgrims and enable them to perform their rituals in comfort and ease.
The Mufti urged all pilgrims for cooperation to comply with these regulations and make the Hajj a success.
He wished all pilgrims a good Hajj season and an acceptable one to Allah.
Also he wished the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques success in running the affairs of Hajj and thanked them on behalf of all pilgrims and their relatives and families at home for the strenuous efforts they exert, the developmental projects they implement and the unprecedented services they provide for pilgrims and Umrah (minor Hajj) performers.