AI Ethics and Islamic Education: The UAE’s Experiment in Developing Artificial-Intelligence-Enhanced Qur’an Learning
Abstract
This article investigates the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into Qur’an learning and Islamic education, with a particular focus on the ethical considerations surrounding technology-mediated religious instruction. Drawing on interviews with developers, educators, and policymakers, the study examines AI applications such as automated tajwīd evaluation, personalized memorization pathways, and adaptive learning analytics. Findings suggest that AI enhances efficiency, accessibility, and learner motivation, especially among digital-native students. However, concerns arise regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential reduction of human spiritual guidance. The article argues that the ethical deployment of AI in Islamic education requires responsible design, regulatory frameworks, and complementary teacher roles. This study provides a critical contribution to emerging scholarship on digital religion and the future of Islamic pedagogy.
References
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Abdelgelil, M. F. M., Tahir, B. S., & Bidin, S. N. B. S. (2025). Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AA) and Its Impact on Qur’anic Qira’at: A Thematic Review Analysis. Quranica, 17(2), 74–96.
Abdul-Jabbar, W. K. (2025). A culturally responsive guide to abstract writing. In Lingua Ex Machina (hal. 72–82). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003684411-8
Abubakari, M. S. (2025). Generative AI in Contemporary Islamic Religious Education Discourse: Revelation Meets Algorithm (hal. 161–200). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-3830-9.ch007
Agency, E. N. (2025). National Identity, AI shape UAE’s 2025–2026 academic year. Diambil dari https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15qfeob-national-identity-shape-uae’s-2025–2026-academic?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Al-Maaitah, T., Ali Alduneibat, K., Alshdaifat, S., Alsarayreh, R., Bani Ahmad, A. Y. A., & Faeik Hijazin, A. (2025). AI adoption, technological readiness, and AI usability in sustainability accounting education: The moderating role of academic integrity. Heritage and Sustainable Development, 7(1), 611–628. https://doi.org/10.37868/hsd.v7i1.1176
Al-Zaidi, A., Ali, M. Q., & Jabbel, S. J. (2025). Islamic Da’wah and Artificial Intelligence: Relationship and Utilization. In Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Vol. 1697 LNNS, hal. 274–286). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-09562-6_20
Alasmari, T. (2025). Artificial Intelligence and M-Learning in Arabic Countries: Innovations, Trends, and Regional Perspectives. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 19(5), 170–194. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i05.52735
Aldhilan, D., & Rafiq, S. (2025). Transforming early childhood education in Saudi Arabia: AI’s impact on emotional recognition and personalized learning. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 14(4), 2473–2486. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i4.32660
Almasri, Z., Bahgat, M., Seddek, A., & Elsafty, A. (2024). Maximizing the Benefits of ChatGPT with FIRST-ADLX Framework: Promoting Responsible, Ethical, and Impactful AI Integration in Education. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 12(4), 22–46. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v12i4.6933
El-Ghamari, M. E., & Deja, E. (2025). Aesthetic-ethical AI governance: Harmony and balance in Islamic and Confucian traditions (hal. 98–117). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003662723-6
Espartinez, A. S. (2025). Bridging The Educational Divide with Chatgpt’s Integration in Philippine Higher Education: Q-Methodology and Narrative Inquiry Studies. Journal of Information Technology Education: Innovations in Practice, 24(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.28945/5526
Hashem, R., ElKaleh, E., Abu Khurma, O., & Ali, N. (2025). The Emirati Habitus: The Impact of Values on Students’ Interaction with AI. Journal of Ethics, 29(5), 975–1002. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10892-025-09530-y
IACAD. (2025). Mutawaa Al-Freij: Goals, Audience, and Key Features. Diambil dari https://iacad.gov.ae/en/initiatives/mutawaa-al-freij?utm_source=chatgpt.com
IACAD. (2026). Mutawaa Al-Freij: Goals, Audience, and Key Features. Diambil dari https://iacad.gov.ae/en/initiatives/mutawaa-al-freij?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Jasafat, N., Mat Akhir, N. S. M., Iskandar, I., Jasmine, A. N., & Balqis, S. (2025). Da’wah as Civilizational Infrastructure: Rethinking The Aceh–Türkiye Knowledge Network in Islamic Education and Scientific Exchange. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(3), 2073–2096. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i3.1912
Kong, S. C., & Zhu, J. (2025). Developing and validating an artificial intelligence ethical awareness scale for secondary and university students: Cultivating ethical awareness through problem-solving with artificial intelligence tools. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100447
Lukianenko, V., & Kornieva, Z. (2024). Generative AI in Student Essays: English Teachers’ Perspectives on Effective Assessment Methods. XLinguae, 17(4), 235–250. https://doi.org/10.18355/XL.2024.17.04.14
Miah, A. S. M., Tusher, M. M. R., Hossain, M. M., Hossain, M. M., Rahim, M. A., Hamid, M. E., … Shin, J. (2025). ChatGPT in Research and Education: A SWOT Analysis of Its Academic Impact. CMES - Computer Modeling in Engineering and Sciences, 143(3), 2573–2614. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2025.064168
Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. (2024). UAE’s International Stance on Artificial Intelligence Policy. Diambil dari https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/policy/details/uae-s-international-stance-on-artificial-intelligence-policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Mulaudzi, L. V, & Hamilton, J. (2025). Lecturer’s Perspective on the Role of AI in Personalized Learning: Benefits, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations in Higher Education. Journal of Academic Ethics, 23(4), 1571–1591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-025-09615-1
Nasir, K., Zaman, R. K., Hilmi, A. B. A., Mahadzir, A. H., & Mustaffa, A. M. B. (2025). Artificial Intelligence Integration in Mobile Applications: Innovation and Challenges in Supporting Quran Memorization and Review. Quranica, 17(2), 612–645.
Nirwana, A. N., Rifai, A., Ali, M., Mustofa, T., Nur Vambudi, V., Maksum, M., & Umar Budihargo, M. (2025). SWOT Analysis of AI Integration in Islamic Education: Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor Impacts. Qubahan Academic Journal, 5(1), 476–503. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v5n1a1498
Saputra, R., Kaluku, M. R. A., Setiawan, E., Asih, T., & Saputra, A. A. (2025). GenAI and psychiatry: Between multimodal promise and ethical perils. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104605
Tang, Q., & Kamarudin, S. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Theological Reflections and Institutional Responses in Religious Engagements with AI Ethics. In Youth, Faith, and Artificial Intelligence (hal. 353–384). London: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-2170-7.ch014
TDRA. (2025). UAE Strategy for Artificial-Intelligence. Diambil dari https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/government-services-and-digital-transformation/uae-strategy-for-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Thalgi, M. (2025). AI Ethics in Islamic Contents: Applications Per UNESCO Recommendations. In Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Vol. 234, hal. 333–346). London: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-84636-6_28
UAE Ministry of Education. (2025). Ministry of Education Showcases Latest Digital Innovations at GITEX Global 2025. Diambil dari https://www.moe.gov.ae/En/MediaCenter/News/Pages/Ministry-of-Education-Showcases-Latest-Digital-Innovations-at-GITEX–Global-2025.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Warisno, A., Anshori, A., Hidayah, N., & Dwianto, A. (2025). Transformative Islamic Education Management in Madrasah and Pesantren Integrating Tradition and Digital Innovation. Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change, 10(2), 276–289. https://doi.org/10.64753/jcasc.v10i2.1596
Published
2026-01-13
How to Cite
AL-SHAMSI, Hamad bin Mubarak bin Rashid.
AI Ethics and Islamic Education: The UAE’s Experiment in Developing Artificial-Intelligence-Enhanced Qur’an Learning.
Bestari, [S.l.], v. 22, n. 2, p. 81-105, jan. 2026.
ISSN 2807-6532.
Available at: <https://riset-iaid.net/index.php/bestari/article/view/1708>. Date accessed: 09 feb. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.36667/bestari.v22i2.1708.
Section
Articles
