Does the Quran Speak About Artificial Intelligence and Human Power?

The Holy Quran, as a divine revelation and a comprehensive guide for life, does not directly address modern concepts and technologies such as 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) because these terms and technologies did not exist at the time of its revelation. However, by deeply reflecting on the divine verses, one can extract principles and foundations that offer profound insights regarding the nature of AI, and especially the extent of human power in creating and utilizing such technologies. The Quran explicitly discusses the creation of humanity, its intellectual and practical capabilities, humanity's place in the universe, and the limits of its power in contrast to God's infinite might. Regarding artificial intelligence, this topic can be explored from two Quranic perspectives: **the capabilities bestowed upon humans** and **the limits of human creation**. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes human superiority in knowledge and understanding. God has granted humans intellect and cognitive faculties that enable them to learn, discover, invent, and build the world. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 30 to 33, the story of Adam's creation and God teaching him the 'names' is presented; this narrative demonstrates humanity's unparalleled ability to acquire knowledge, name things, and comprehend phenomena—an ability even angels lacked. Artificial intelligence can be seen as an advanced manifestation of these very intellectual and instrumental faculties that God has bestowed upon humans. Through the intellect and knowledge inspired by the Almighty, humans create machines that can process information, learn, and even make decisions that were previously exclusive to the human mind. All these capabilities stem from divine endowments that have equipped humanity, as 'Khalifatullah' (God's vicegerent) on Earth, with the necessary tools for cultivating and managing the world. However, a crucial point in the Quranic understanding of artificial intelligence is the fundamental distinction between **divine creation (Khalq)** and **human making (San'a)**. The Quran emphasizes that only God is the 'Creator' (Khaliq) and 'Originator' (Bari') – bringing something into existence from nothing. Humans can construct and design complex objects and systems from existing materials in the world, but they cannot imbue them with a true soul or life, nor can they grant them an existence independent of matter and programming. Artificial intelligence, no matter how intelligently it operates, lacks consciousness, emotion, true volition, and a soul, which only God can breathe into His creations. This distinction clearly delineates the boundary between human power and God's infinite power, preventing any pride or claim of equality with the Creator of existence. The application of AI, like any other technology, must adhere to human ethical frameworks and responsibilities, ensuring it does not lead to oppression, corruption, or harm to human dignity. As God's vicegerents, humans are responsible for the proper use of the power and knowledge entrusted to them. Concerning **human power**, the Quran elaborates extensively, providing a comprehensive picture. Humanity is a being whom God created 'in the best of forms' (Ahsan Taqweem) and has favored over many of His creations (Surah Al-Isra, verse 70). This power and superiority include: intellectual capacity, physical strength, free will, the ability to choose between good and evil, and dominion over many natural resources and creatures. Numerous verses indicate that God has subjected everything in the heavens and on Earth for the benefit of humanity (e.g., Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 13). This subjugation means that humans have the ability to utilize and manage these resources, which itself is a vast source of power. This power allows them to build civilizations, acquire knowledge, and transform their living environment. Yet, alongside these immense capabilities, the Quran constantly emphasizes **the limits and restrictions of human power**. True and absolute power belongs solely to God. Humanity is helpless before divine will and decree. These limitations include the inability to create life, full control over destiny, absolute prediction of the future, or escape from death. Verse 33 of Surah Ar-Rahman clearly states that jinn and humankind cannot pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth except with 'Sultan' (authority and permission from God), which beautifully illustrates both humanity's potential for exploration and its ultimate limitation. Arrogance and pride stemming from a sense of absolute power are condemned in the Quran and can lead to humanity's downfall, as depicted in the story of Qarun (Surah Al-Qasas, verses 76-82). Humans must always remember that their power is a trust from God and must be used for righteousness, justice, and the betterment of the Earth, not for corruption or oppression. The ultimate purpose of granting power to humanity is to test it and observe how it uses this gift in pursuit of divine pleasure. In summary, while the Quran does not explicitly mention artificial intelligence, its principles underscore the immense intellectual capabilities bestowed upon humans by God, viewing the creation of such technologies as a manifestation of these abilities. At the same time, the Quran defines the boundaries of human power against God's infinite power, reminding that humanity can never reach the status of the Creator. Regarding human power, the Quran considers it a great gift and a weighty responsibility that must be exercised with humility and in alignment with divine objectives, not for rebellion or corruption.