International

islamic-conference

islamic-economics

Researchers, academicians, scholars, and students are invited to participate in the upcoming International Conference on Islamic Studies and Contemporary Research organized by the <a href="https://www.iirdglobal.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Interdisciplinary Institute for Research &amp; Development (IIRD)</a>. The conference aims to create a global academic platform for discussing emerging trends, interdisciplinary perspectives, and contemporary issues related to Islamic Studies and allied disciplines.The conference will gather researchers, educators, and professionals from different countries to exchange innovative ideas, present scholarly work, and strengthen international academic collaboration. Participants will benefit from keynote lectures, paper presentation sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with experts from various academic and professional backgrounds.The organizer, <a href="https://www.iirdglobal.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Interdisciplinary Institute for Research &amp; Development (IIRD)</a>, is an international academic and research organization dedicated to promoting high-quality research, innovation, and scholarly collaboration across multiple disciplines. IIRD regularly conducts international conferences, seminars, workshops, and academic development programs aimed at supporting researchers, faculty members, and students worldwide. Through its academic initiatives, the institute encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and provides opportunities for researchers to publish and present their work on global platforms.Scholars and interested participants are encouraged to submit their research papers and complete their registration through the official conference website.Registration Link: <a href="https://iirdglobal.com/events/index.php?id=100876081&amp;utm_source=ica&amp;utm_medium=organic">Register for the Conference</a>Important Dates:<ul><li>Paper Submission Deadline: 14 May 2026</li><li>Registration Deadline: 19 May 2026</li><li>Conference Dates: 3–4 June 2026</li></ul>For additional details regarding participation, paper submission guidelines, and conference schedules, participants may visit the official conference page.

Researchers, academicians, scholars, and students are invited to participate in the International Conference on Islamic Studies and Contemporary Research

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int. Conference on Islamic Studies and Contemporary Research

ai-technology

fiqh-of-law

shia-theology

This article compares major Shia-oriented AI chatbots, their features, strengths, weaknesses, and future potential.&nbsp;Why Shia-Specific AI Chatbots EmergedGeneral AI systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok are trained on broad internet datasets. Because of this, they may: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mix Sunni and Shia interpretations &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide weak or fabricated narrations &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misrepresent Shia beliefs &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lack understanding of marja-based jurisprudence &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Generate hallucinated fatwas&nbsp;To solve these issues, developers created specialized Shia AI assistants trained on curated Shia databases such as: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Al-Islam.org &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nahjul Balagha &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tafsir al-Mizan &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bihar al-Anwar &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sistani rulings &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shia hadith collections&nbsp;⸻1. Ahkam-AIOverviewAhkam-AI is one of the most focused Shia jurisprudence assistants available today. It is built around the rulings of Ali al-Sistani and developed with support from Hadi TV. &nbsp;Main Features &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Specialized in Shia fiqh &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based exclusively on Ayatollah Sistani’s rulings &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fast question-answer interface &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational guidance for daily issues &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minimal hallucination risk due to narrow scopeStrengths &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Highly focused and consistent &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Good for practical religious rulings &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less doctrinal confusion &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Easier for followers of SistaniWeaknesses &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limited to one marja’s opinions &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less effective for theology or philosophy &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not suitable for advanced academic researchBest For &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyday fiqh questions &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prayer, fasting, purity, and worship rulings &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginners seeking practical guidance⸻2. Al-Islam AI AssistantOverviewThis assistant is trained on the massive library of Al-Islam.org, one of the largest English-language Shia repositories online. It emphasizes privacy and “hallucination-free” answers. &nbsp;Main Features &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conversational search through Shia texts &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uses classical and modern Shia works &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Includes tafsir, hadith, theology, and history &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natural language interactionStrengths &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rich scholarly database &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excellent for research and learning &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broad Shia intellectual coverage &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strong source groundingWeaknesses &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Can still oversimplify complex theology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Requires users to verify citations manually &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less useful for personalized fatwasBest For &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Students of Shia Islam &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Researchers &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Comparative theology &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Historical questions⸻3. WisQu AIOverviewWisQu markets itself as the “first Shia AI chatbot.” It emphasizes verified answers, reduced fabrication, and religious authenticity. &nbsp;Main Features &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Large database of religious Q&amp;A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Source-backed responses &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Claims “96% accuracy” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Handles both simple and advanced questionsStrengths &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strong user-friendly design &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broader conversational ability &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More interactive than rule-based systems &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Better contextual understandingWeaknesses &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accuracy claims are difficult to independently verify &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limited transparency about training methods &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potential for AI hallucinations still existsBest For &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General users &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interactive religious learning &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-topic Islamic discussions⸻Ask Ayatollah Overview This mobile app focuses on the rulings and teachings of Ayatollah Sistani and provides quick AI-powered responses for daily religious matters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Main Features&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Mobile-first experience&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Instant answers&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Simplified explanations&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Source citations</li></ul>Strengths&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Easy accessibility</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Simple interface&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Good for younger users</li></ul>Weaknesses<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Limited depth&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Smaller knowledge base&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Primarily introductory</li></ul>Best For&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Casual learners&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Mobile users&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Youth audiences</li></ul>⸻ 5. hyder.ai Overview Hyder.ai was introduced as an AI model trained specifically on Shia Islamic teachings with over 300,000 data points from Shia Ithna Ashari sources.&nbsp; Main Features&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Exclusive Shia training data&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Focus on theology and ethics&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Community-driven improvement</li></ul>Strengths&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Pure Shia-centered training&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Strong doctrinal alignment&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Community enthusiasm</li></ul>Weaknesses&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Limited public documentation&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Smaller ecosystem&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Experimental stage</li></ul>Best For<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Early adopters&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Community testing&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Specialized Shia discussions</li></ul>Key Challenges Facing Shia AI Chatbots 1. Religious Authority AI cannot replace qualified scholars (maraji or mujtahids). Many Muslim communities warn against taking religious rulings directly from AI systems.&nbsp; A chatbot may summarize rulings, but:&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">many argue it does not perform ijtihad,&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">cannot understand every personal circumstance,&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">and may produce incorrect conclusions.</li></ul>2. Hallucinations Even specialized AI models can fabricate: on hadith references, Qur’anic citations, historical events, or scholarly opinions. This is a major issue in religious contexts where accuracy matters deeply 3. Sectarian Bias General Islamic AI systems often default to majority Sunni sources. Shia chatbots emerged partly to preserve doctrinal accuracy and avoid misrepresentation.&nbsp; 4. Ethical and Spiritual Concerns Some scholars and online Muslim communities warn against overdependence on AI for spirituality. Users are encouraged to:&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">verify sources,&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">consult scholars,&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">and treat AI as an educational assistant rather than an authority.&nbsp;</li></ul> Conclusion Shia-based AI chatbots represent an important technological development in modern Islamic education. Platforms like Ahkam-AI, WisQu, Al-Islam AI, and hyder.ai attempt to combine traditional Shia scholarship with modern conversational AI systems. Their biggest advantage is accessibility: users can instantly explore Shia teachings, jurisprudence, and history in a conversational format. However, these systems remain tools—not replacements for qualified scholars. The most effective use of Shia AI chatbots is as: • educational assistants, • research helpers, • and gateways to authentic scholarship. &nbsp;As AI technology improves and Shia datasets expand, these systems are likely to become more accurate, multilingual, and deeply integrated into Islamic learning worldwide

Several specialized AI Shia Muslim based chatbots have emerged that focus on Shia theology, fiqh, hadith, Qur’anic interpretation and teachings of Ahlul Bayt

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Shia-Based AI Chatbots: A Comparative Study

Iran

supreme-leader

islamic-sciences

indigenous-knowledge-production

The Supreme Leader’s foresight in 1989 regarding the necessity of using modern technologies for the development of Islamic sciences has gained new significance today, as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes global scientific transformation. A path that began with the establishment of the Noor Center is now being pursued as a major national strategy focused on indigenous knowledge production, scientific authority, and positioning among the leading countries in AI for the future of Islamic sciences and national progress.&nbsp;According to ILNA news agency, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Hossein Bahrami, head of the Noor Islamic Computer Research Center, speaking at the “Ummat Mab‘uth” media pavilion in Qom, said:“The divine awakening and the presence of the people in the field were exactly what the Supreme Leader had predicted earlier, and the people acted correctly based on the teachings they had received from the leadership. What occurred appears to have been something rare and extraordinary — a nation rising up and remaining continuously active for more than sixty days.”He added:“In my view, this event is unique and can only be attributed to the divine upbringing, foresight, and accurate predictions of the Supreme Leader. Up to this point, victory has belonged to our people — a victory resulting from the insight and foresight of our martyred Imam. We hope that Almighty God grants our people even greater victories under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei”.&nbsp;The Blessing of Leadership and the Foundation of Islamic CivilizationThe head of the Noor Center stated:“Throughout the Revolution, especially during the leadership of our martyred leader, God granted our people a tremendous blessing: a wise leader who, with profound foresight and penetrating vision, laid the foundations of an Islamic civilization.”He emphasized that the late leader’s view of religion was not limited merely to ritual worship:“He was both a religious and political leader, viewing religion as the path to humanity’s salvation in this world and the hereafter. The roadmap he designed for the country was based on this profound vision.”&nbsp;A Memory About the Establishment of the Noor CenterBahrami then shared a story illustrating the late leader’s technological vision and future-oriented thinking:“In 1989, the first year of the Leader’s leadership, a group of seminary students and university students attempted to use computers — which at the time were scarce and very primitive in public perception — for work related to hadith and rijal studies.”He continued:“They presented the initial results of their work to the Supreme Leader. In the very first meeting, he instructed them to prepare a plan for establishing a center and continuing this path. A few weeks later, when they presented their proposal, he said this work was extremely important — meaning the use of computers in the development of Islamic sciences — and emphasized that every day of delay in this path would cause damage and loss.&nbsp;Foresight in the Use of TechnologyBahrami noted:“Today, in the year 1405 (Iranian calendar), such a statement may not seem surprising. But in 1989, even many prominent thinkers and intellectuals lacked the foresight to understand how deeply this technology would influence human life, scientific development, and especially Islamic sciences.”He explained that more than three decades of work at the Noor Center have continued under the Leader’s support:“This center is one of the legacies left for us by the martyred leader.”He also emphasized that the center was founded directly under the Leader’s supervision, and in its early years, the Leader himself served as chairman of the board of trustees — demonstrating his deep concern for this field.&nbsp;Scientific Movement and Knowledge as PowerBahrami referred to the saying of Imam Ali (AS), “Knowledge is power”, and said:“The Leader believed that if we seek power, dignity, independence, and a bright future, we must seriously pursue knowledge, because knowledge is the instrument of power in today’s world.”&nbsp;Scientific Acceleration and Overcoming Historical BackwardnessHe added:“Another major emphasis was the scientific movement and knowledge production. During the era of dictatorship, our country fell nearly one hundred years behind in science while the world advanced and we merely became consumers of others’ achievements.”He said Iran later experienced periods where scientific growth increased dramatically, at times becoming one of the fastest in the world, thanks to the Leader’s guidance.&nbsp;Indigenous Knowledge ProductionBahrami stressed that the late leader opposed being merely consumers of foreign science:“We should not simply repeat discoveries made elsewhere with delay and teach them to our students. We must produce indigenous knowledge ourselves.”He cited examples such as: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nuclear science, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nanotechnology, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;stem cells, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;missile industries, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and other scientific fields where Iran became a producer rather than just a consumer.&nbsp;Useful Knowledge That Serves SocietyHe also emphasized the Leader’s focus on beneficial knowledge:“Sometimes scientific institutions pursue metrics that do not truly benefit society. We can become trapped in article-writing or title-seeking while failing to solve the real needs of our people.”The Leader, he said, consistently insisted that science must have practical benefit for society.&nbsp;Iran as a Global Scientific AuthorityBahrami said another key objective was achieving global scientific authority:“The Leader wanted Iran to become a reference point for science and technology — to the extent that anyone seeking the frontiers of knowledge would need to come to Iran and even learn Persian.”He described this not as an unreachable dream, but as a realistic and achievable goal.&nbsp;Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic AxisBahrami explained that alongside science in general, the Leader placed special emphasis on artificial intelligence as a strategic priority:“Digital technologies, especially AI, are now among the most important drivers of scientific growth and global transformation.”He warned that delays in AI development could repeat the historical scientific backwardness experienced during industrialization.&nbsp;Concern Over Western Misuse of AIBahrami stated:“Western civilization used the scientific advances it gained during previous eras to exploit many Islamic and oppressed nations. There is concern that the same pattern could be repeated with artificial intelligence.”He added:“Although the West outwardly emphasizes ethics in AI development, we should not be deceived by appearances. It is possible this knowledge will once again be used in the service of colonial ambitions.”&nbsp;AI in Modern WarfareReferring to recent wars, he said:“The wars in Gaza, the Twelve-Day War, and the Ramadan War — and the use of AI in killing people — demonstrated that the Leader’s predictions were correct, and that the West has used AI to advance its ambitions.”&nbsp;Future Vision and AI in Islamic SciencesBahrami expressed hope that AI would be used properly across all sectors:“As the martyred leader emphasized, by deeply understanding the layers of this technology, we should become one of the top ten AI-developing countries in the world.”He also noted that in Islamic sciences, progress has already begun:“Today at the Noor Islamic Computer Research Center, multiple AI-based tools, systems, and chatbots have been developed for hadith studies and Islamic resources.”&nbsp;He concluded by expressing hope that this movement would continue strongly and consistently under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei enabling the country to reach the peaks of progress and raise the banner of Islamic and Iranian dignity across the world.

Concerns Over Western Misuse of Artificial Intelligence / How the Martyred Leader’s Support Paved the Way for Digital Transformation in Islamic Sciences

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Reflections on the Noor Islamic Computer Research Center

emerging-technologies

islamic-committee

Tehran — Hamidreza Rabiei, a professor of artificial intelligence at Sharif University of Technology, has been appointed as a core member of the expert group for the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.&nbsp;According to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting News Agency, professor Rabiei—who also heads the university’s Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center—will contribute to advancing collaboration among leading experts from technologically advanced member states of the OIC.&nbsp;The OIC-15 Dialogue Platform was established to bring together specialists from member countries to develop practical mechanisms for enhancing cooperation in emerging technologies and innovation. Through expert discussions, the platform aims to identify shared priorities, promote joint research programs, and expand scientific networks across participating nations.&nbsp;Key topics to be addressed by the platform’s technical committee include artificial intelligence, information technology, digital transformation, healthcare systems, cybersecurity, education, and industrial automation.&nbsp;Officials emphasized that technological progress within OIC member states must go beyond infrastructure development and focus on strengthening governance, policymaking frameworks, and national strategies. The initiative is expected to support long-term scientific growth, innovation-driven development, and sustainable socio-economic transformation across the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;The appointment highlights ongoing efforts to position academic and research leaders at the forefront of international collaboration in AI and advanced technologies within the Islamic world.&nbsp;The first meeting of the expert committee is scheduled to take place on May 5, 2026.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/5782885/انتخاب-استاد-شریف-به‌عنوان-عضو-اصلی-گروه-تخصصی-پلتفرم-گفت‌وگوی-oic‑۱۵-سازمان-همکاری-اسلامی">https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/5782885/انتخاب-استاد-شریف-به‌عنوان-عضو-اصلی-گروه-تخصصی-پلتفرم-گفت‌وگوی-oic‑۱۵-سازمان-همکاری-اسلامی</a>&nbsp;

Professor Hamidreza Rabiei of Sharif University of Technology, has been appointed as a core member of the expert group for OIC-15

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Sharif University Professor Appointed to OIC-15 Dialogue Platform Expert Group

According to a report by Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Hojatoleslam Mohammad Hossein Bahrami, head of the Noor Computer Research Center of Islamic Sciences, said the Martyred Supreme Leader had emphasized the urgency of embracing emerging technologies as early as the late 1980s.&nbsp;Speaking in an interview, Hojatoleslam Bahrami recalled that in 1989, a group of seminary students and university scholars began experimenting with computers—then a limited and largely unfamiliar technology—to study Islamic hadith and biographical sciences. When they presented their early findings, the leader reportedly encouraged them to formalize their efforts. “He described the work as highly important and stressed that every day of delay in this path would result in losses,” Bahrami said, noting that this support directly led to the establishment of the Noor Research Center.&nbsp;Bahrami highlighted that at the time, few intellectuals fully grasped the transformative potential of computing in advancing Islamic sciences. More than three decades later, the Noor Center continues to operate as a legacy of that early vision, developing digital tools and databases for religious scholarship. He added that the Supreme Leader personally held a senior supervisory role in the institution, reflecting a deep commitment to integrating technology with religious studies.&nbsp;Bahrami also outlined broader themes in the leader’s approach to science and technology, emphasizing the idea that knowledge is a form of power—an idea rooted in Islamic teachings attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib. According to Bahrami, the leader consistently advocated for scientific advancement, self-reliance, and the production of indigenous knowledge. He argued that Iran should not remain a passive consumer of global science but instead become a producer, citing developments in fields such as nuclear technology, nanotechnology, stem cells, and aerospace.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img9.irna.ir/d/r2/2026/05/04/3/172844948.jpg?ts=1777889630703" alt="رهبر شهید فرمود تاخیر در بهره‌گیری از رایانه خسارت است"></figure>Turning to modern developments, Bahrami described artificial intelligence as a key strategic priority. He said the leader had warned against falling behind in this domain, cautioning that any delay could repeat the country’s historical scientific setbacks during the industrial era. He also raised concerns about potential misuse of AI by Western powers, pointing to recent global conflicts as evidence that such technologies could be leveraged for geopolitical ambitions.&nbsp;Bahrami concluded by expressing optimism about Iran’s current progress in AI, noting that the Noor Center has developed various AI-based tools, systems, and chatbots focused on Islamic texts and hadith studies. He said Iran aims to rank among the world’s top 10 countries in AI development, positioning itself as a leader in both technological innovation and Islamic scholarship.&nbsp;The remarks reflect ongoing efforts within Iran to align technological advancement with cultural and religious priorities, while navigating the broader global race for dominance in artificial intelligence.&nbsp;https://www.irna.ir/news/86145367/رهبر-شهید-فرمودند-تاخیر-در-بهره-گیری-از-رایانه-خسارت-است

Head of the Noor Islamic Sciences Computer Research Center said: the martyred Supreme Leader had emphasized the urgency of embracing emerging technologies.