مصنوعی ذہانت کے اخلاقی چیلنجز اور انسانی اقدار: الہامی مذاہب کے اصولوں کی روشنی میں ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence and Human Values: A Research Study in the Light of Principles of Divine Religions

Abstract

Abstract

Throughout human history, religion has remained a fundamental intellectual and moral force that has not only shaped the spiritual dimensions of human life but has also influenced scientific, social, and technological development. In the contemporary era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary technology that is transforming nearly every aspect of human existence. While this advancement brings remarkable benefits in terms of convenience, scientific progress, economic growth, and medical improvement, it has simultaneously raised profound ethical, spiritual, and religious questions. Major revealed religions Islam, Judaism and Christianity have engaged with the rise of AI from their respective theological, moral and philosophical perspectives. A shared concern across these traditions is that human beings are uniquely endowed with reason, moral responsibility, intentionality, and spiritual awareness qualities that cannot be fully replicated by artificial systems. This raises a critical question: should AI be viewed merely as an assisting technological tool, or can it ever be accepted as a substitute for human authority in moral decision-making and religious guidance? From an Islamic perspective, human beings are regarded as God’s vicegerents (Khalifah) on Earth, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding justice, intention (Niyyah), trust (Amanah) and moral integrity. In contrast, AI operates on data-driven algorithms and lacks intention, contextual understanding, and moral consciousness. Therefore, granting it independent ethical or religious authority is not considered acceptable within Islamic thought. Similarly, in Judaism, AI is largely viewed as a useful but limited tool that must operate under Halakhic principles and human supervision, while in Christian theology, human dignity, spirituality, and divine sovereignty remain central, and technology is not permitted to replace the human role. This article presents a comparative and analytical study of these religious perspectives, examining how AI is reshaping discussions on ethics, morality, and spiritual identity. It also highlights the ethical risks associated with AI such as bias, loss of human autonomy, lack of accountability, and challenges to religious values. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for a shared interfaith ethical framework that ensures the development and use of AI within the boundaries of human dignity, moral responsibility, and spiritual values, rather than allowing it to function as a replacement for human authority.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Religion, Divine Religions, Ethical Challenges, Human Values