The Formation of the Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence:

The Formation of the Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence:

An Analytical Study in Light of the Tenth International Conference of Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah

Professor Dr. Faid Mohammed Said

Abstract

This article analyzes the proceedings and scholarly outcomes of the Tenth Annual International Conference of Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah and the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide (Cairo, 12–13 August 2025), convened under the theme “The Formation of the Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The term al-Muftī al-Rashīd—here rendered as the Wise Mufti—denotes not only competence but also sound judgment, maturity, and spiritual guidance. The study examines the juristic and intellectual background of the theme, presents the framework of the conference, analyzes its major sessions and papers, and outlines the ethical guidelines proposed for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in fatwa-giving. It further identifies the defining qualities of the wise mufti in the digital era and highlights the pioneering role of Dar al-Ifta in leading the global fatwa discourse.

Keywords: Fatwa, Artificial Intelligence, Islamic Jurisprudence, Wise Mufti, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, Cairo Declaration.

Introduction

Fatwa in Islam is traditionally regarded as taqwīʿ ʿan Allāh—a signing on behalf of God. It represents the articulation of divine guidance regarding new or complex issues, grounded in uṣūl al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence), maqāṣid al-sharīʿah (objectives of Islamic law), and an informed understanding of reality (fiqh al-wāqiʿ). Throughout Islamic history, the mufti has shouldered this sacred trust, ensuring that religious guidance remains authentic and relevant.

In the contemporary age, the rise of artificial intelligence has introduced profound challenges and opportunities. AI’s ability to process vast corpora of texts and generate instant responses raises pressing questions: Can it contribute to iftāʾ? What safeguards must be established? What qualities must the mufti cultivate to remain authoritative in the digital era?

Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, by selecting this theme for its tenth international conference, underscored that the wise mufti must combine scholarly depth, ethical maturity, and digital competence—balancing authenticity with innovation.

Theoretical Background

The history of fatwa-giving reflects broader transformations in modes of communication and knowledge transmission:

1. Early Islam: Fatwas were sought orally, often requiring personal travel to jurists.
2. Manuscript Age: Fatwas were recorded, compiled, and circulated.
3. Print Era: The printing press expanded access to fatwas globally.
4. Digital Age: Online fatwa platforms enabled instant consultation across borders.

Today, AI-assisted fatwa systems mark a new phase. While AI can search, retrieve, and compare juristic opinions at unprecedented speed, it lacks the human malakah—the cultivated aptitude for ijtihād—and the holistic discernment of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah. Consequently, AI can serve as a valuable assistant but never a replacement for the mufti.

See: Wael B. Hallaq, Authority, Continuity, and Change in Islamic Law (1991); Mohammad H. Kamali, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (1991).

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Framework of the Conference

Held under the auspices of the Presidency of Egypt, the conference convened muftis, jurists, scholars, and experts from across the Muslim world, alongside representatives from the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and UNESCO.

Program Structure

1. Scholarly Sessions – focusing on the formation of the wise mufti, ethical constraints of AI, and technological challenges.
2. Workshops – drafting ethical frameworks, enhancing critical thinking, and forecasting the future of fatwa institutions.
3. The Cairo Declaration on Fatwa and Artificial Intelligence – issued as a global reference document for fatwa authorities.

Analytical Discussion of Themes

1. Fatwa in the Age of AI

Conference papers emphasized that AI offers valuable support for juristic research, enabling efficient cross-referencing and access to precedents. However, risks abound: decontextualized responses, misinterpretations, and potential misuse. AI must therefore remain a subordinate tool under qualified human supervision, not an autonomous decision-maker.

2. Ethical and Sharīʿah Guidelines

The main guidelines articulated were:

         •       Human oversight by qualified scholars.

         •       Verification of sources and periodic review of AI outputs.

         •       Prohibition of full reliance on AI in complex cases requiring ijtihād.

         •       Development of a global ethical charter for AI-assisted fatwa.

3. Characteristics of the Wise Mufti

Participants outlined a comprehensive profile of the wise mufti:

         •       Deep grounding in Islamic sciences.

         •       Digital literacy and technical competence in AI tools.

         •       Ability to balance textual jurisprudence (fiqh al-nuṣūṣ) with contextual jurisprudence (fiqh al-wāqiʿ).

         •       Mastery of modern communication platforms.

         •       Awareness of intellectual risks and digital misinformation.

See: Sohail Hanif, “AI and the Limits of Ijtihad,” Journal of Islamic Ethics (2023).

The Role of Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah

The conference underscored Dar al-Ifta’s global leadership in:

• Spearheading debates on emerging Sharīʿah issues.
• Building international partnerships with fatwa institutions and research bodies.
• Launching initiatives that harmonize technological advancement with Islamic authenticity.
• Modeling an institutional framework that unites tradition and innovation.

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Recommendations

The final communiqué called for:

1. Establishing specialized research centers on AI and Islamic jurisprudence.
2. Training programs to enhance digital skills among muftis.
3. International standards for digital fatwas.
4. Collaboration between jurists and technologists to align AI with Islamic values.
5. Global dissemination and adoption of the Cairo Declaration.

Conclusion

The formation of the wise mufti in the age of artificial intelligence is not optional but a pressing necessity. It ensures the preservation of authentic Sharīʿah guidance in an era of digital disruption. The Tenth International Conference of Dar al-Ifta exemplified an innovative approach: combining scholarly rigor with future-oriented vision. In the hands of a qualified mufti, technology is transformed from a threat into an opportunity for renewal, service, and global guidance.

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References

• Hallaq, Wael B. Authority, Continuity, and Change in Islamic Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
• Kamali, Mohammad Hashim. Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence. Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society, 1991.
• Schacht, Joseph. An Introduction to Islamic Law. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1964.
• Hanif, Sohail. “AI and the Limits of Ijtihad.” Journal of Islamic Ethics 7 (2023): 145–168.
• Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah. The Cairo Declaration on Fatwa and Artificial Intelligence. Cairo: General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, 2025.