by Yanuardi Syukur, AIMEP 2015
President, Indonesian AIMEP Alumni Forum
On 27 March 2024, the Indonesia AIMEP Alumni Forum in collaboration with Mosaic Connections held an iftar and discussion on ‘Being Muslim in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ at the Rumah Kepemimpinan office in Jakarta. The event was opened by remarks from Mosaic Connections Director Rowan Gould and myself, followed by a discussion by AIMEP alumni speakers with experitse in this area, namely Arninta Puspitasari (AIMEP 2021), Goris Mustaqim (AIMEP 2017), Dito Alif Pratama (AIMEP 2022) and Izza Annafisatud Daniah (AIMEP 2013). The discussion was moderated by Dr Anna Amalyah Agus (AIMEP 2003).
In general, this discussion explored how we can remain Muslim in all situations, including in the current era of artificial intelligence. The word ‘being Muslim’ implies an Islamic commitment that in all developments in science and technology, a Muslim still makes Islam the guiding element of his life. Islam is a way of life, not least in our involvement with artificial intelligence.
The speakers shared a common view that in principle, Islam supports all endeavours to achieve human progress and happiness in this world and the hereafter. Islam does not inhibit human creativity and innovation aimed at creating benefit for mankind. And, artificial intelligence is the result of human innovation that should be appreciated, and even utilised to promote human kindness.
Some of the ideas that emerged in this discussion are as follows. Firstly, what if a Muslim asks artificial intelligence for a fatwa on Islamic law? According to Dito Alif Pratama, if the answer from artificial intelligence refers to the fatwa of a credible mufti, then a Muslim can use the fatwa. However, we still have to refer to a human mufti, we cannot solely rely on the answer from artificial intelligence. Dito provided the comparison that although video assistant referee (VAR) technology is sophisticated and can provide decisions in football matches, we still need human referees to make decisions.
Another interesting question was also: do technological advances such as artificial intelligence provide justice for women? Izza Annafisatud Daniah believes that currently science tends to be dominated by men, and women are still marginalised. According to Izza, artificial intelligence should also have a gender justice perspective. She criticised Google, Facebook, Apple and Bloomberg for creating artificial intelligence women as assistants, a choice which seems to be preserving a culture that subordinates women.
Arninta Puspitasari explained the way she has incorporated technology use for various initiatives. As co-founder of Hannah Indonesia, Barakah Indonesia and Indonesia Muslim Women, Arninta focuses not only on women’s empowerment and parenting, but also on enriching productivity ideas based on Islamic values through community. On 9 March 2024, for example, she held a public workshop and book signing for The Barakah Effect (Claritas, 2024) by Mohammed Faris, an influential young writer and the founder of Productive Muslim. For Arninta, artificial intelligence can be used for various positive initiatives.
Meanwhile, Goris Mustaqim highlighted the importance of Muslim involvement in the development of the world today. So, according to Goris, the founder and CEO of Semut Nusantara, synergy and global collaboration are needed. According to him, Islam is a complete religion, and therefore as Muslims we must apply Islamic values to the wider community, or spread Islam as rahmatan lil ’alamin (a blessing for the worlds). He encouraged each Muslim to increase their capacity to contribute to various positive initiatives in the national and global spheres, including discussions of the use of artificial intelligence.
A continued discussion on artificial intelligence is an interesting one to be developed in various academic and practical domains. For example, how can scholars use artificial intelligence, or how can artificial intelligence help someone to learn, memorise or read the Qur’an? Also, how can artificial intelligence be used to increase synergy and collaboration between Indonesian and Australian or ASEAN and Australian Muslim leaders? In principle, artificial intelligence as a human creation should be utilised for the greater good for individuals, communities and smart partnerships between countries to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable life.
