AI Cannot Replace Scholars in Religious Jurisprudence, Says Algerian Minister
Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs, Youcef Belmehdi, affirmed that artificial intelligence cannot replace human scholars in issuing religious decrees. He announced the creation of a new Maliki jurisprudence institution and a digital database to modernize religious scholarship while maintaining traditional scholarly oversight.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- Minister Youcef Belmehdi clarified that AI tools like ChatGPT cannot replace human scholars in issuing religious fatwas.
- A new institution dedicated to Maliki jurisprudence and scientific research is currently under development.
- The ministry is creating a digital database to house academic research and theses on fatwa issuance.
- Religious leaders are being encouraged to train in digital technology to better serve the national religious reference.
Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Youcef Belmehdi, recently emphasized that while technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the human element remains irreplaceable in religious jurisprudence. Addressing the periodic meeting of the Ministerial Fatwa Committee, the minister stated that ChatGPT and other advanced artificial intelligence platforms cannot replace a qualified scholar, or Mufti, because the process of issuing religious decrees—or fatwas—requires deep scientific reflection, an understanding of current realities, and a firm grasp of the objectives of Islamic law.
The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Religious Jurisprudence
During the session held at Dar El Imam in Mohamadia, Dr. Belmehdi acknowledged the rapid acceleration of AI-driven tools. He noted that while these technologies offer new avenues for knowledge, they do not possess the capacity for the nuanced ijtihad (independent reasoning) required in religious rulings. However, the minister encouraged religious leaders to undergo training in digital technologies, asserting that integrating modern tools could help preserve the national religious reference and ensure that religious guidance remains disciplined and accurate.
The conference also served as a platform to announce several strategic scientific projects aimed at modernizing religious scholarship in the country. Among the highlights is the proposed establishment of a new institution dedicated to Maliki jurisprudence, which will house a specialized center for scientific research. Furthermore, the ministry plans to create a comprehensive digital database that will consolidate academic papers, research, and theses related to fatwa issuance, making them accessible to scholars and researchers.
Dr. Belmehdi pointed out that the evolution of the national fatwa system—from the ministerial committee to local scientific councils and the creation of the specific position of the Mufti Imam—has successfully brought religious guidance closer to the citizenry. He also highlighted the upcoming launch of a peer-reviewed scientific journal that will focus on publishing jurisprudential research and documenting the findings of the Ministerial Fatwa Committee.
Touching upon the importance of Zakat, particularly in the context of the holy month of Muharram and the observance of Ashura, the minister commended the role of national media in disseminating a culture of sound religious inquiry. By acting as a reliable national platform, the media helps citizens access verified religious information, further reinforcing the importance of traditional scholarly oversight in an era dominated by digital transformation. The meeting ultimately reinforced that while digital transformation is essential, the human authority in religious interpretation remains the cornerstone of societal stability and doctrinal consistency.
