Optimizing the Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Islamic Law: Analysis of the Positive Impact on the Empowerment of Muslim Communities

Abstract

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) opens up transformational opportunities for the development of Islamic legal disciplines (fiqh and fatwa). This article analyzes how AI can be optimized to expand the accessibility of Islamic law, improve the efficiency of legal discovery (digital ijtihäd), support a faster and standardized fatwa process, and empower Muslim communities socio-economically. The research method is a critical literature review of scientific literature and a conceptual case study. Key findings suggest that the integration of AI—with clear Islamic ethical principles, the involvement of scholars, and verification mechanisms—can support empowerment through: (1) broader access to legal information; (2) legal-religious literacy training; (3) data-driven policy support for social services; and (4) administrative efficiency of religious institutions. However, serious attention is needed to address issues of religious authority, data bias, algorithmic transparency, and accountability. Recommendations include the development of an ethical framework based on maqasid al-shari'ah, collaboration between computer scientists and scholars, and a pilot project for sharia-supervised AI.