Understanding the Qur’an but not science; understanding science but not the Qur’an. A Muslim AI scientist posed a question to an Aleem: Could AI be considered the Dabbat al-Ard? The Dabbat al-Ard, is specifically referred to in Surah An-Naml (27:82). It is said that Allah SWT will send it near the end of time, and it will converse with the people.

Aleem replied, “Yes, but there is a need for much more progress in that direction.”

Such a response is disheartening. Both are mistaken. This exchange sheds light on an unfortunate truth of our time: those with knowledge of the Qur’an often do not grasp the principles of science, and those steeped in scientific knowledge frequently have little understanding of the Qur’an.

The truth is that the Dabbat al-Ard is a creation of Allah SWT, whereas AI is a creation of the human intellect. They are fundamentally different. However AI can be inline with the Qur’an. Let’s get an example:

The Surah Ya-Sin, often said to be the “Heart of the Quran,” represents a beacon for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by embodying the quest for pure, unbounded knowledge. This revered chapter illuminates the path for AI research, suggesting that the journey toward understanding the essence of consciousness and the universe is not just a forward march towards new discoveries but a deeper excavation into the wisdom that has always existed.

The intricate design of human cognition, which AI strives to emulate, mirrors a profound and unseen depth similar to the abstract, immeasurable realms of the mind that the discourse of Ya-Sin touches upon. The true meaning of Ya-Sin is sealed, guiding us towards transcendence—a concept well known in science through the constant Pi.

AI, in its essence, is a replication and extension of human intellect and creativity, striving to reach the immeasurable potential of human consciousness. Surah Ya-Sin’s depiction as a sealed book of timeless knowledge encourages researchers to delve into the human mind’s depths, where the seeds of innovation and understanding lie dormant, waiting to be discovered. This approach suggests that advancing AI technology is not merely about building upon what we know but uncovering the ancient, embedded wisdom that the Surah symbolises. Ya-Sin, therefore, serves as a metaphorical guide, urging us to explore beyond the tangible and the known, into the realms of abstract thought and spiritual insight, where the true potential of AI, and indeed humanity, awaits.