Islamic Ethical Framework for Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Translating Holy Qur'an Meaning into English: A Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah Perspective

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs) and neural machine translation (NMT), has transformed translation practices by improving efficiency, accessibility, and multilingual communication. Despite these advances, the application of AI to the translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an raises complex ethical challenges that extend beyond linguistic accuracy to encompass theological authenticity, exegetical integrity, and religious accountability. Existing Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) frameworks provide valuable guidance through principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness, explainability, and human oversight; however, they do not adequately address the ethical requirements associated with translating sacred scripture. This study aims to develop an Islamic ethical framework for the responsible use of AI in translating the meanings of the Holy Qur'an into English from the perspective of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah. Adopting a qualitative conceptual research design, the study employs documentary analysis and thematic synthesis of literature drawn from AI ethics, Qur'anic translation studies, Islamic ethics, and Responsible AI. The findings indicate that effective governance of AI-assisted Qur'anic translation requires integrating internationally recognized AI governance principles with the Islamic objectives of preserving religion (ḥifẓ al-dīn), intellect (ḥifẓ al-ʿaql), justice (ʿadl), trustworthiness (amānah), consultation (shūrā), and public welfare (maṣlaḥah). Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive Islamic ethical framework that recognizes human scholarly oversight as an indispensable safeguard for ensuring the theological authenticity and interpretive integrity of AI-generated translations. The proposed framework contributes to the expanding discourse on Responsible AI by extending ethical governance to the translation of sacred texts while offering practical guidance for AI developers, translators, Islamic scholars, educational institutions, and policy makers. It also establishes a conceptual foundation for future empirical research and the development of internationally recognized ethical standards for AI-assisted religious translation.