Articles

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Islamic Banking Operations
Author : Dr. Safwan Odaybat
Date Added : 03-01-2024

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Islamic Banking Operations

 

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

 

One of the emerging topics for which seminars and conferences are held, and attracts researchers to study and explore its potential developments across various fields and disciplines is the subject of Artificial Intelligence. This topic elicits concerns about its potentially destructive impacts on one hand, while on the other hand, it raises hopes and expectations for significant positive effects on improving the quality of life and serving humanity.

 

Before delving into explaining the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Islamic banking, it is essential to clarify the meaning of Artificial Intelligence and Islamic banking:

 

Artificial Intelligence can be defined as a set of technologies and software aimed at enabling computer systems to perform tasks that are typically considered important for human intelligence and facilitate operations associated with specific tasks.

 

Artificial Intelligence relies on data and algorithms to achieve specific objectives. Its applications encompass a diverse range of fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics manufacturing, medical diagnosis, risk management, and more.

 

Islamic banking can be defined as a financial system based on the principles of Islamic law (Sharia). This system requires abstaining from practices such as usury (interest), uncertainty or speculation (Gharar), and injustice. It encourages financing and investment in ways that are in tune with Islamic values and principles.

 

The role of artificial intelligence in advancing the operations and services of Islamic banking is highlighted through the following:

 

1-Enhancing Efficiency and Risk Management:

Artificial intelligence can contribute to the development of Islamic banking by improving its operational efficiency through enhancing analysis processes and risk management. One possible means to achieve this is by utilizing machine learning to enhance credit assessment, identifying potential loans with greater accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, artificial intelligence will contribute to boosting employee efficiency by selecting suitable development, training, and educational methods tailored to their needs.

 

2-Development of Innovative Financial Products:

Artificial intelligence enables Islamic banking to develop innovative financial products that align with the principles of Islamic Sharia. For example, smart investment solutions can be developed based on financial analytics and Sharia-compliant guidelines.

3-Enhancement of Customer Experience:

Artificial intelligence can improve customer experiences in Islamic banking by providing personalized financial services tailored to the specific needs of customers. It can offer accurate investment guidance that aligns with customers' goals without conflicting with Islamic values.

4-Combatting Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing:

Artificial intelligence can contribute to enhancing financial integrity through intelligent operations that develop and improve the quality of monitoring financial transactions. Consequently, it can uncover all illicit and internationally prohibited activities, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

 

5-Facilitating Compliance with Islamic Sharia:

Artificial intelligence contributes to the development of Islamic banking by achieving better compliance with the rules of Sharia. This can be accomplished by providing guidance to financial professionals or by enhancing financial audit and monitoring processes.

 

In conclusion, the topic of the impact of artificial intelligence on Islamic banking in general requires precise scientific studies and research to highlight both the positive aspects and potential challenges. While artificial intelligence may contribute to enhancing the efficiency of financial services and their compliance with Sharia, ethical considerations and Islamic values must be taken into account in the application of this modern technological advancement.

 

Article References:

1-Book: "Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the Economy and Islamic Banking" by Dr. Rafiq Ali Suleiman.

2-Book: "Islamic Banking and Artificial Intelligence Technology: Challenges and Opportunities" by Dr. Mohammed Al Nuaimi.

3-Research Paper: "Artificial Intelligence Technology and Its Impact on Islamic Financial Services" by Researcher Ahmed Abdullah Al Salman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

Which takes precedence: the 'aqīqah or the uḍḥiyyah?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
The 'aqīqah is an act of worship through which a servant draws closer to Allah the Almighty in gratitude for the blessing of a newborn child. It is a confirmed Sunnah for those who are financially capable, and Allah does not burden any soul beyond what it can bear.
However, the uḍḥiyyah takes precedence, as it is a confirmed Sunnah established from the Prophet ﷺ through stronger and more numerous narrations — indeed, the Ḥanafī scholars hold it to be obligatory. Furthermore, its time is narrow and limited, expiring with the passing of the days of Eid, whereas the 'aqīqah may be delayed until one becomes financially capable of performing it.
And Allah Almighty knows best.

What is the ruling on using the *subḥah* (prayer beads) to count during *tasbīḥ* and *dhikr*?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
It is recommended to use the ordinary or electronic subḥah (prayer beads or counter) to count tasbīḥ, dhikr, and istighfār, because it helps one to remember Allah. Many reports have been transmitted from the Companions and the Followers (tābiʿūn) showing that they continued to use strings of date pits as an aid to dhikr and tasbīḥ.
It is one of the lawful means of worship. Indeed, what is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), namely that he counted tasbīḥ on his right hand, shows that it is permissible to count tasbīḥ with whatever helps a Muslim keep track of the number. There is therefore no basis for calling it an innovation (bidʿah), and we know of no jurist who said so.
Al-Ḥāfiẓ al-Suyūṭī (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote a dedicated treatise on the subject titled al-Minḥah fī al-Subḥah, printed within al-Ḥāwī li’l-Fatāwī (vol. 4–6).
Shaykh al-Islām Imam Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Does the subḥah have a basis in the Sunnah? He replied: “Yes, and al-Ḥāfiẓ al-Suyūṭī wrote on this. Among the evidence is what is authentically reported from Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both): ‘I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) counting tasbīḥ on his hand.’ Ibn Abī Shaybah, Abū Dāwūd, and al-Tirmidhī also narrated: ‘Hold fast to tasbīḥ, tahlīl, and taqdīs, and do not be heedless, lest you forget the affirmation of Allah’s oneness (tawḥīd). Count them on the fingertips, for they will be questioned and made to speak.’ Counting tasbīḥ with pebbles, date pits, and a knotted string has also been reported from a group of the Companions and those after them. Some scholars held that counting on the fingertips is better than the subḥah, based on the ḥadīth of Ibn ʿUmar. Others distinguished, saying: if the one reciting is safe from miscounting, counting on the fingertips is better; otherwise the subḥah is better.” [al-Fatāwā al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kubrā, Vol.1/p.152]. And Allah Almighty knows best.

What is the ruling on someone who combines two prayers as an early combination (jam‘ taqdīm), and then arrives at his place of residence during the time of the second prayer — is he obligated to repeat it?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Whoever combines Ẓuhr and ‘Aṣr while traveling — that is, before he has reached the built-up boundaries of his hometown [upon returning] — his combination (jam‘) of the two prayers remains valid, even if he arrives at his place of residence before the time for the second prayer has actually begun. This is because the combination was already validly completed with its proper conditions fulfilled, and he is not obligated to repeat the second prayer [upon arrival].
A traveler is permitted to make use of the concessions of shortening (qaṣr) and combining (jam‘) prayers once the distance of travel reaches (81 km) or more, provided that his journey is a permissible one, and that he begins shortening and combining only after actually setting out on the journey and passing beyond the built-up limits of the city in which he resides. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.

Does the use of suppositories, enemas, or hemorrhoid creams affect the validity of fasting?

Enemas and suppositories inserted through either of the two private passages invalidate the fast. This ruling is based on the statement of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): "Breaking the fast occurs from what enters (the body), not from what exits." [Reported by Al-Bayhaqi in As-Sunan Al-Kubra]
His generalization regarding anything entering the body indicates that it invalidates fasting, whether it is nutritious or not, as even non-nutritious substances resemble food in form.
It is recommended to use them before Fajr or after Iftar. However, if a person must use them while fasting, they should continue refraining from food and drink for the rest of the day and make up for that day later.