INTRODUCTION
The National Talim Department is excited to launch the AI Desk, a platform dedicated to bringing together both established and emerging AI experts. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the field of Artificial Intelligence
In its first phase, the AI Desk will focus on individuals working at both the foundational and practical levels of AI, as well as students pursuing AI as a field of study. The AI Desk will host talks, discussions, and offer career guidance, helping to nurture and develop talent in the AI sector
In addition, the platform will focus on exploring how AI can serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat and address the potential challenges and harms associated with AI technology. If you are an AI expert, practitioner, or student of AI, we invite you to register and become a part of this exciting initiative:
Guidance from Huzoor (aba)
In a recent address, Huzoor Aqdas (aba) provided insightful guidance on the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future
Huzoor Aqdas (aba) urged that these efforts will help guide the world in understanding the potential and limitations of AI, ensuring its positive and responsible development He emphasized the following key points:
It is essential to continually expand our understanding of AI to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field
Acquiring the skills to create and develop innovative AI systems is crucial for making impactful contributions
Nurturing individuals who can generate fresh, novel ideas is vital for advancing AI technology
Striving for excellence in the AI field and providing global leadership on the ethical and practical boundaries of AI
event: The AI revolution
Join us for an exciting and informative session on the transformative power of AI, as we explore the journey from deep learning to generative AI and its potential to serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat. This event will delve into the cutting-edge advancements in AI and how they can be leveraged to further the mission and values of our community
ai desk - quotes
This compilation presents insightful quotes and guidance from Hazrat Khalifa tul Masih V (aba), aimed at enhancing our understanding and optimizing our learning potential, especially in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Each quote provides valuable wisdom, helping to expand our intellectual horizons and broaden our perspectives on AI and its related concepts
Secretary Talim noted that a key responsibility of his role is to encourage higher education. He mentioned that artificial intelligence is transforming various fields, with companies increasingly replacing employees with AI, and sought Huzoor’s guidance on the matter
Huzoor (aa) advised:
You can also increase your knowledge of artificial intelligence! You can become so proficient in it that you can create new systems for them and thereby secure employment. However, artificial intelligence only does what you feed it and instruct it to do. It does not use its own mind. Ultimately, a human brain is needed to run it. Companies will also look for fertile minds capable of feeding new and innovative ideas into AI. Ahmadis should be among those people. You should strive for this objective
China has just caused the American market share to plummet by billions and trillions. It is said that America spent twenty billion dollars to develop a platform, whereas China spent only five million dollars to accomplish the same. They have capable minds in China, do they not? You should cultivate such minds, and they will be of benefit to you
The Secretary Ta’lim interjected, asking whether Ahmadis should be encouraged to pursue careers in artificial intelligence. Huzoor (aa) responded that it depends on their interests and respective fields, explaining that, for instance, a doctor cannot simply rely on AI to dissect a human body or perform surgery. When the secretary remarked that AI is expanding into all fields Huzoor (aa), emphasised that AI cannot function independently in every aspect – human oversight and verification remain essential
Huzoor(aa) added: Nevertheless, we must compete with the world. Whatever field the world excels in, we too should endeavour to excel in that field, so that eventually we may be in a position to guide them on the [ethical] boundaries of artificial intelligence
A khadim asked Huzoor (aba) about advancements in artificial intelligence and neuroscience, mentioning that artificial limbs and computer-controlled devices were being developed to help disabled individuals operate machines through their thoughts. He further inquired whether, from an Islamic perspective, it would be permissible to use AI in the future to enhance human intelligence
Huzoor (aa) explained that if AI is helping people in their work and daily functions, then there is no harm in using it. However, if it begins to divert individuals away from fundamental religious teachings, then it should be avoided
He stated that AI could be beneficial for people with cognitive difficulties, much like how individuals seek help from others in different areas of life. AI, in essence, only processes and outputs information based on what has been fed into it. However, he warned that many people blindly accept AI-generated responses without verifying their accuracy, even when the output is incorrect
Huzoor (aa) further shared that on Alislam.org, efforts had been made to ensure that when AI is asked a religious question, it does not generate a wrong response but instead directs users to the relevant Jamaat literature. If AI is used in this controlled manner, where it simply guides people towards authentic sources, then it is acceptable
However, Huzoor (aa) cautioned that if AI leads people away from religion, then there is no need to follow it. Ultimately, if AI is employed for the betterment of humanity, then its use is permissible
A khadim asked Huzoor (aba) for his perspective on technologies such as robotics and AI, their impact on society, and which fields of technology would have the most positive effect on humanity
Huzoor (aa) stated that any technology that benefits humanity is good. Whether it is AI or robotics, if it helps people, it is useful. He mentioned that robots are already assisting doctors in performing surgeries
However, Huzoor (aa) cautioned that while AI and robotics can be helpful, they may also reduce mental capability if people become overly reliant on them. He noted that depending too much on AI could lower intelligence levels
Huzoor (aa) said: I can see that although your robots or AI is helping you, it can also decrease the mental capability and capacity of your mind. The level of intelligence can become low because you are relying on AI. Thus, you can take help from AI or robots, but do not completely rely on them
Following the updates on the Al Islam Digital Library, Faraz Ahmed Sahib presented the latest developments in the integration of artificial intelligence within Alislam.org. He explained that, in line with Huzoor’s (aa) instructions, the team had been actively researching AI and had implemented further enhancements to their embedding-based AI systems
Demonstrating an internal version of the system, he showcased how users could input a question, and the AI would intelligently understand the query and retrieve relevant answers from Jamaat literature. He further shared that, in addition to books, answers from various Jamaat platforms were also being integrated, along with a dedicated tab displaying relevant Quranic verses related to the user’s query
Addressing concerns regarding AI-generated misinformation, often referred to as hallucinations, he referenced Huzoor’s (aa) earlier guidance, given in a previous mulaqat, where Huzoor (aa) had emphasised that “answers generated by AI must be verified” before publication. Acting on this instruction, the team ensured that only verified answers were displayed
At this point, Huzoor (aa) enquired about how potential AI hallucinations would be managed if they occurred. Faraz Ahmed Sahib responded that the system was currently designed to display only verified answers or restrict AI-generated responses by limiting the output to references from published Jamaat books
He further mentioned that, while the team was exploring the use of commercially available AI models, they were also working on fine-tuning their own model. This approach aimed to enhance accuracy, improve relevance, and ultimately reduce dependence on external AI models
Faran Nasir asked about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mentioning that while it is used for various tasks, it can have dangerous consequences. He enquired about the extent to which it should be used
Huzoor (aa) explained that nothing is inherently good or bad; it is people who make things so. Huzoor (aa) said: Even when a child is born, they are neither good nor bad. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) said that it is their environment – their parents and the people around them – that makes them good or bad. If they receive a good upbringing, they become good; if not, they may turn out bad. If you have good friends, you will become good. If your friends are bad – those who waste time, watch films, are constantly on social media, and neglect their studies – you will become like them
Huzoor (aa) noted that AI can be used for good purposes in certain areas, but relying entirely on it is not appropriate because it lacks human understanding. It needs thorough review and editing. He gave a humorous example of a mistranslated Urdu couplet of Mirza Ghalib to illustrate how AI can produce nonsensical results without human oversight
He emphasized that while AI can be beneficial, it should be used within limits and under control. Misusing it to spread misinformation or harm others is wrong. Huzoor (aa) encouraged Ahmadis to research AI and utilise it for good purposes that benefit humanity