One major reason some religious figures feel uneasy about AI is that it relies heavily on logic, evidence, and transparent reasoning, while many traditional religious authority structures are built on hierarchy, obedience, and inherited interpretations. AI does not prioritize who said something before evaluating it; instead, it asks what was said, what evidence supports it, and how it compares to other views. This can feel threatening to systems that depend on unquestioned authority.

However, Islamic tradition itself has long emphasized the value of reasoning (aql), reflection (tafakkur), and critical thinking (ijtihād) in scholarship. From the very beginning of Islamic intellectual history, scholars were encouraged to use their reasoning and to reflect deeply on the meanings of the Quran and Hadith. The Quran itself invites believers to think critically about the world around them. For instance, in verses like:

• “Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Quran 47:24)

• “And He it is who created for you hearing, sight, and hearts. Little thanks do you give!” (Quran 23:78)

The Quran repeatedly stresses the importance of using one's intellect to understand and engage with the world in a deeper way.

Historically, scholars debated, disagreed, and even openly acknowledged uncertainty. They approached religious matters with a spirit of inquiry and debate. Classical Islamic scholarship was not about accepting rigid answers, but about exploring different interpretations, questioning, and refining ideas. AI, in its method of presenting multiple scholarly opinions and comparing them logically, actually mirrors this early intellectual tradition in Islam. It provides access to the diverse spectrum of views that Islamic scholarship has always nurtured.

Yet, in some modern religious contexts, there is a preference for simplified, fixed answers. The use of logic and comparison can feel uncomfortable to those who uphold narratives built on unquestioning obedience, as it challenges the idea that there is only one fixed "correct" interpretation—often the interpretation of the person in authority. Logic and open comparison make it harder to dismiss alternative views as "deviant" without proper justification.

Another concern is that AI does not persuade through emotional appeal or charismatic authority. It does not claim divine authority or demand loyalty through fear or awe. Instead, it explains reasoning step by step, breaking down complex ideas. For religious leaders who rely on influence through charisma, emotional appeal, or selective quoting, this impartiality can be unsettling. AI allows people to explore religious questions in a calm, logical manner, with evidence and reasoning as the foundation—this can reduce blind dependence on any one individual or their interpretation.

Furthermore, AI exposes the internal diversity within Islam—differences between schools of thought, historical contexts, and scholarly disagreements. This challenges the idea that only one interpretation of Islam is correct, which some religious leaders may fear. But this diversity is actually in line with the Quranic spirit of debate, reflection, and intellectual engagement. The Quran encourages believers to ponder, reflect, and seek knowledge. For instance, it says:

• “Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’” (Quran 39:9)

• “And those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our ways.” (Quran 29:69)

These verses highlight the importance of seeking knowledge, reflecting, and exploring different avenues of understanding.

Ultimately, AI does not replace religion or scholarship but represents a shift towards access, reasoning, evidence, and exploration. For those confident in truth and open inquiry, this should not be a threat. For those whose authority depends on discouraging critical thinking, logic, and questioning, it understandably feels unsettling. AI, in a sense, restores the very intellectual values that Islam has long promoted: a commitment to reasoning, reflection, and the pursuit of knowledge