Da’wah
This was highlighted in the presentation of Mohammed Belyamani, an Instructor, Maqasid Institute, Toronto, Canada at one of the virtual interactive sessions on the AI seminar series organised by NASFAT Missionary Institute, NMI on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
According to him, “The component that Muslims should consciously possess to navigate to be relevant in today’s technology/digital world for them to be a better version of themselves and to be useful for the religion positively and the society at large is to be purposeful, have openness to fresh ideas as they emerge and be principled in their application and usage.”
The rationale behind AI has been explained by the experts in the field, as the development of a computer system to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, saying it could be used to enhance the creativity of humans, but cannot replace it, recommending its use with human intellect as a regulator for it.
Belyamani further mentioned that, major principles that every Muslim should be mindful of as they embrace and acquire the essential knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative is that, “Every individual should endeavour to; Do the right thing in the right way; Be critical/creative and be involved so as not to be left behind rather to be more relevant and updated in the mission of Da’wah propagation with the technology knowhow as it emerges in the 21st century.”
“Artificial Intelligence AI has come to stay, to level up with this in every endeavour, every individual needs to get the knowledge it requires and be ready to work around it for the good of humanity, especially faith-based individuals/organisations, learn it, embrace it and make positive use of it for the da’wah.” Mohammed Belyamani.
The programme is part of the efforts of NAṢFAT Mission Board under the leadership of the Chief Missioner, Imam Morufu AbdulAzeez Onike, in the continuation of the enlightenment virtual session to create awareness for the understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impacts on different fields of human endeavour, especially as it relates to Islam and Da’wah work.
The president of the society, Mr. Niyi Yusuf who was represented by the Nasfat VP 1 and the incoming President of the society, Alh. AbdulRauf Ayodeji while appreciating the guest lecturer emphasised that, “NAṢFAT is thirsty of knowledge hence, the reason such programme as this and more knowledge-driven and impactful programmes are being sponsored and embarked on by the society, the HELD policy thrust of the society speaks to this.”
The first series was held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 where another renowned scholar of Artificial Intelligence and Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu was featured and spoke on the topic: ‘Artificial Intelligence: Its Implication on Islamic Faith.’
According to the society’s National Da’wah Officer, NDO, Imam Abdul-Ganny Raji, the online seminar shall continue by the Institute till the application and impacts of AI in every area of Islam is adequately addressed to such an extent that the people at the helms of affairs in Da’wah work are very conversant with the concept of Artificial Intelligence and its relationship with the DEEN.
About 600 participants who are NAṢFAT members and non-members have taken part in the virtual sessions.