Shaping the future for the Ummah

Generated Content in a Halal Framework

Generated Content (GC), often created by Artificial Intelligence (AI), refers to any digital material—like text, images, videos, or code—produced by an algorithm rather than directly by a human. For a Muslim, engaging with this technology requires navigating its use within the ethical and legal boundaries of Islam to ensure it is Halal (permissible) and Tayyib (pure, wholesome).

Core Principles for Halal-Conscious Generated Content

The guiding principle is that the tool itself is neutral, but its use, content, and impact are subject to Islamic rulings. The key is intentionality (niyyah) and responsibility.

1. Content must adhere to Islamic Morals (Akhlaq):
   • It should promote truth, kindness, and benefit (maslaha).
   • It must avoid all that is forbidden: lies, slander, obscenity, promoting sin, false information, and creating images of animate beings (especially humans and animals) if done in a disrespectful or realistic manner that could lead to shirk or disrespect for creation. This is a point of scholarly difference, requiring careful consideration.
2. Purpose must be Beneficial and Truthful:
   • The primary goal should be to serve good—such as educating, solving problems, creating beneficial art, or spreading authentic Islamic knowledge.
   • It must avoid deception, plagiarism, or generating falsehoods. Content should be verified for accuracy, especially on religious matters.
3. Respect for Intellectual Property and Rights:
   • One must ensure that the use of AI models and the content they produce respects the copyrights and efforts of original human creators.
   • It is not Halal to use GC to steal the work of others or to claim unearned credit.

Potential Halal Benefits and Applications

When used correctly, GC can be a powerful tool for good:

• Islamic Education: Creating summaries of Islamic topics, generating language translations for Dawah, or designing educational graphics.
• Productive Business: Writing Halal business plans, creating marketing content for ethical products, or generating code for beneficial apps.
• Wholesome Creativity: Producing landscape art, geometric patterns (Islamic geometry), or abstract designs that inspire without violating Islamic principles.
• Efficiency in Good Deeds: Automating routine tasks to free up time for worship, family, and community service.

Major Cautions and Prohibited Areas (Haram)

• Generating False or Misleading Information: This is a form of lying.
• Creating Immoral or Explicit Content: Absolutely forbidden.
• Imitating the Creation of Allah Unnecessarily: There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding creating realistic images of humans and animals. Out of caution, many Muslims avoid generating such content, especially for frivolous purposes, to avoid crossing a spiritual boundary.
• Producing Unverified Religious Rulings (Fatwas): AI lacks the deep understanding, intention, and authority of a qualified scholar. Using it to generate definitive religious rulings is dangerous and impermissible.
• Spreading Fitnah (Discord): Using GC to create deepfakes, slander, or divisive propaganda is a major sin.

Conclusion:

For a Muslim, using Generated Content is a responsibility. It is a tool that can be a source of great benefit (barakah) if guided by a conscious fear of Allah (Taqwa). The key is to constantly align its use with the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that the content is not only technically impressive but also morally sound, truthful, and pleasing to Allah. Always prioritize consulting knowledgeable scholars when in doubt about specific applications.

What can you do at HalalSoci

Prayer Times & Qibla Finder:
Automated location-based prayer schedules and directional guidance.

Quran & Hadith Library:
Read and reflect on the Quran and Sahih al-Bukhari with user-friendly translations and tafsir resources.

Support for Reverts:
New Muslims can connect with Asatizah, Muftis, and mentors for guidance.

Asatizah & Scholars Network:
Islamic scholars can host live sessions, answer questions, and publish fatwas.

Idea Exchange:
Muslim professionals and creatives share halal-aligned innovations in tech, education, sustainability, and more.