The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (Muftiyat) has issued an official opinion on the "revival" of deceased people through artificial intelligence. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Currently, artificial intelligence makes it possible to alter images, animate a person's image and imitate their voice. In this context, the Muftiyat expressed its opinion on "reviving" the deceased through artificial intelligence.
"According to the principle of the foundations of Islamic fiqh: 'The ruling on a thing depends on its correct understanding and the determination of its essence.' Therefore, the ruling on animating images of deceased people through artificial intelligence will vary depending on the purpose of its use and the specific situation," the administration said.
According to the official statement, if such "revival" is performed for the purpose of remembering the deceased when missing them, comforting the soul, or remembering the person with good memories, then the use of the technology is permitted and does not contradict Sharia.
"If animating the image of the deceased through artificial intelligence leads to a person becoming detached from real life, becoming attached to the past, re-intensifying their grief, or feeling protest against Allah's predetermined fate regarding death, then such actions are prohibited. Because this may cause spiritual and psychological harm to the person themselves and their loved ones," the statement reads.
As reported by the administration, if through such actions the deceased is made to say words they did not say or false information is spread, then this is strictly prohibited. Likewise, if such technologically altered images are used in commercial advertisements to promote a product in an untrue manner, this leads to deceiving people and unjustly acquiring their property. This is also prohibited in Sharia.