Conference on Technology in Service of Sharīʿah Sciences

Al Wasl University in Dubai is set to host the Second International Conference on “Contemporary Technologies and Their Impact in the Service of Sharīʿah Sciences: Opportunities and Challenges.”

The conference is organized by Al Wasl University under the patronage of Juma Al Majid, Chairman of its Board of Trustees, and the College of Islamic Studies, in cooperation with the Center for Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Humanities.

Date: April 24–25, 2024
Venue: College of Islamic Studies, Al Wasl University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Conference Overview

Modern technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—have become a critical factor in enhancing quality of life and meeting human needs. While their effectiveness across various domains is well established, their application in the service of Islamic sciences remains limited.

The conference calls on scholars and researchers in Islamic disciplines to engage more actively with these technologies, aiming to harness their potential and expand their role in advancing Islamic sciences.

Objectives

The conference seeks to:

Affirm the adaptability of Islamic sciences to modern technologies
Highlight mechanisms for employing technology in the development of Islamic sciences
Build bridges between scholars of Islamic sciences and technology experts
Address emerging fiqhi issues arising from contemporary technologies
Strengthen the role of Islamic sciences in mitigating the risks of modern technologies
Present leading technical experiences and identify key challenges in this field

Main Themes

1. Technology in Service of the Qur’an and Sunnah
Topics include AI, machine learning, and immersive technologies in Qur’anic recitation, exegesis, and ḥadīth studies.

2. Technology in Service of Fiqh Sciences
Explores applications in istinbāṭ (derivation of rulings), ijtihād, maqāṣid-based fiqh, and comparative fiqh.

3. Technology in Theology and Daʿwah
Focuses on promoting Islamic teachings, addressing doubts, religious education, and countering deviant trends.

4. Role of Islamic Sciences in Addressing Technological Risks
Examines ethical challenges and Islamic frameworks for responsible technology use.

5. Leading Experiences in Tech Applications
Highlights innovative projects, challenges, and strategies for advancement.

Participation Guidelines

Submissions must align with conference themes
Papers must be original and unpublished
Length: 20–30 pages
Joint papers allowed (maximum two authors)
Submissions must follow standard academic methodology
All papers will undergo peer review
Abstracts (max. 250 words) must be submitted in Arabic or English with keywords
A brief academic CV (approx. one page) is required
Papers in Arabic or English must include abstracts in both languages
Formatting: Word document, Simplified Arabic font (size 14), margins (size 12)

Selected papers will be published in the peer-reviewed journal Al-Mu’awwil, issued by the College of Islamic Studies, while others will appear in the conference proceedings.

Key Dates