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Dr Sohaib Saeed explored the role of technology in advancing the understanding of the Quran beyond the traditional book format.
by MAHMOOD SANGLAY
Dr Sohaib Saeed, founder and director of the Ibn Ashur Centre for Quranic Studies in the United Kingdom, presented a paper at the virtual Quran and AI Conference on August 3 and 4, 2024.
Conference background
The theme of the conference was ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Quran: Challenges and Opportunities’ and was hosted by the International Quran Research Association (IQRA). The conference brought together researchers, practitioners, thought leaders and enthusiasts to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Quran.
The aims and objectives of the conference were fivefold. First, to explore AI applications and investigate how AI techniques can be applied to analyse, interpret and understand the Quran. Second, to enhance access to Quranic knowledge by a broader audience.
Third, to examine the ethical implications of using AI in Quranic studies to ensure alignment with Islamic values and principles. Fourth, to promote collaboration and exchange of ideas between AI specialists and Quranic scholars. Finally, to identify opportunities and challenges presented by the integration of AI in the study and teaching of the Quran.
The Artificial Mufassir
In his presentation on the first day of the event Dr Saeed emphasised optimism and innovation in integrating technology with traditional Quranic studies, saying that there are always new questions to be asked and new methods to be explored. He argued against the notion that everything valuable has already been said and encouraged continuous scholarly efforts.
Dr Saeed explored the role of technology in advancing the understanding of the Quran beyond the traditional book format. He imagined futuristic scenarios like experiencing the Quran in virtual reality, which could transform how people interact with the sacred text.
His presentation explored how AI can assist in Quranic studies by speeding up processes, reducing human error and enhancing consistency in interpretation.
AI can be used to summarise the positions of scholars, organise information, and translate texts, potentially revolutionising the field.
Dr Saeed acknowledged the limitations and potential errors of AI, including issues like ‘hallucinations’ (false information generated by AI). He stressed the importance of human oversight and the need for ethical guidelines to ensure that AI tools respect the integrity and authenticity of the Quranic text.
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He also pointed out the importance of collaboration between traditional scholars and technical experts to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining scholarly rigor. Dr Saeed suggested that AI could open up new possibilities for interpretation and help scholars address contemporary issues with the Quran.
The discussion included potential projects like creating AI-driven tools to complete unfinished works of tafsir or generate new interpretations based on the methodologies of past scholars. He proposed that AI could eventually simulate the interpretative styles of renowned scholars, providing valuable insights and fostering deeper engagement with the Quran.
Dr Saeed concluded that AI should not replace human scholars, but rather support and enhance their work, allowing them to focus on more complex and nuanced tasks.
Dr Saeed’s presentation at the Quran & AI Conference highlights the exciting potential of integrating AI into Quranic studies while emphasising the need for ethical considerations and human oversight to maintain the authenticity of Islamic scholarship.
