International

Paris, December 3, 2025 — UNESCO has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in courts and tribunals, as legal systems worldwide grapple with the rapid rise of AI technologies.&nbsp;Titled Guidelines for the Use of AI Systems in Courts and Tribunals, the framework seeks to ensure that AI enhances — rather than undermines — human-led justice. The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the uneven adoption of AI tools across judicial systems and the ethical risks associated with their misuse.Courts under pressure from rising caseloads&nbsp;According to UNESCO, justice systems in many countries are struggling with overwhelming backlogs. In one South Asian nation alone, more than 53 million cases remain pending, with some unresolved for over three decades due to a shortage of judges.&nbsp;AI technologies, particularly large language models and automation tools, are increasingly seen as part of the solution. In Argentina, for example, the AI assistant Prometea has boosted case processing rates from 130 to nearly 490 cases per month — a dramatic increase in efficiency. Meanwhile, in Egypt, automated transcription systems introduced in 2024 are improving access to court proceedings and streamlining operations.&nbsp;Despite these benefits, UNESCO warns of serious risks if AI is used without proper oversight. In the United Kingdom, the High Court recently faced two cases where lawyers submitted AI-generated legal arguments citing non-existent case law. The incidents led to delays, increased costs, and fines of up to $5,000.Senior judge Dame Victoria Sharp cautioned that misuse of AI could have “serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system.”&nbsp;UNESCO’s new guidelines introduce 15 core principles to govern the development and use of AI in judicial contexts. These include requirements for transparency, data security, auditability, and — critically — human oversight in all decision-making processes. The framework also outlines practical recommendations for courts and legal professionals, covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, from development to deployment. It is designed to serve as a global benchmark, enabling countries to create their own tailored regulations.&nbsp;Findings from UNESCO’s 2024 global survey reveal a significant gap in preparedness within the judiciary. While 44% of respondents reported using AI tools, only 9% had received any formal training. At the same time, 73% expressed support for mandatory regulations governing AI use in legal settings.“The message is clear,” UNESCO noted. “AI can help deliver justice faster and more equitably — but only when guided by strong ethical standards and human judgment.”&nbsp;The guidelines build on UNESCO’s long-running Judges’ Initiative, launched in 2013, which has trained more than 36,000 judicial professionals across 160 countries. The programme focuses on issues such as freedom of expression, access to information, and the impact of emerging technologies on justice systems. Development of the new guidelines involved contributions from over 100 experts across 41 countries, as well as reviews by judges, legal scholars, and technology specialists.&nbsp;The guidelines were formally presented at the Athens Roundtable on AI and the Rule of Law in London on December 4, 2025, marking a significant step in global efforts to align technological innovation with fundamental legal principles.As courts continue to modernize, UNESCO emphasized that AI must remain a supportive tool — not a substitute for human authority. “The future of justice depends not only on innovation,” the organization stated, “but on preserving the human values at its core.”&nbsp;https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-courtroom-unescos-new-guidelines-judiciary

UNESCO has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in courts and tribunals.

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UNESCO Issues Global Guidelines on AI Use in Courts to Safeguard Human Justice

Iran

Qom, Iran – In a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence with Islamic scholarship, the Islamic Institute of Science, Civilization, and Mysticism unveiled three new knowledge-based products designed to transform research in Islamic sciences through advanced AI technologies.The ceremony, held at the Ahl al-Bayt Conference Hall in Qom, was attended by senior clerics, seminary scholars, and university academics, including:Mohammad Ali Arafi, head of Iran's seminaries; Abolfazl Mobasheri Boushehri; and leading figures from Iran's religious and academic communities.The event highlighted Iran's growing efforts to position itself at the forefront of AI-driven Islamic studies and digital religious scholarship.&nbsp;Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Behrouz Minayi, a prominent Iranian AI researcher, emphasized that the institute's mission extends beyond the digitization of religious texts.According to Minayi, the institute—under the leadership of Ayatollah Arafi—approaches Islamic heritage from a civilizational perspective, seeking to reinterpret and present it to global audiences through advanced technological tools.He stressed that artificial intelligence should serve as an intelligent assistant to scholars, enhancing their ability to understand and analyze complex religious, legal, ethical, and social issues.<blockquote>"For the advancement of a New Islamic Civilization, we must harness the synergy between traditional scholarship and cutting-edge technology."</blockquote>This framing reflects a broader Iranian discourse that sees AI not merely as a technological tool but as an instrument for advancing a modern Islamic intellectual and civilizational project.&nbsp;At the heart of the initiative is the "Mujtahid Assistant", an AI-based decision-support system designed to help Islamic jurists and researchers navigate the vast and expanding body of Islamic legal sources.The platform is intended to:<ul><li>Process enormous volumes of religious data;</li><li>Identify hidden patterns and relationships;</li><li>Assist scholars in drawing jurisprudential inferences;</li><li>Support timely responses to contemporary legal and ethical questions.</li><li>Rather than replacing religious authorities, the system is designed to augment the capabilities of scholars by accelerating research and improving access to relevant sources.</li></ul>Minayi described the associated Nojum platform as:<blockquote>"More than a digital library; it is a semantic processing system that organizes, categorizes, and analyzes millions of religious data points."</blockquote>The system aims to facilitate more informed and efficient legal decision-making while preserving the authority of human jurists.&nbsp;The institute introduced three major products that form the foundation of its AI-enabled Islamic research ecosystem.<h2>1. Rizvan Hadith Corpus</h2>The Rizvan Hadith Corpus is a massive digital collection containing approximately 1.28 million authenticated hadiths drawn from both Shia and Sunni sources.Key features include:<ul><li>Twelve intelligent research services;</li><li>Advanced search and comparative analysis capabilities;</li><li>AI-ready structured data for machine processing.</li><li>According to the institute, the corpus has already generated significant interest:</li><li>More than 500 requests for access;</li><li>Over 300 complete downloads.</li></ul>Minayi described the corpus as the "fuel" that powers AI-based comparative religious research.<h2>2. Thiqaat Mobile Application</h2>The Thiqaat mobile application is designed specifically for scholars and researchers engaged in rijal studies—the study of hadith transmitters and chains of narration.The application provides:<ul><li>Intelligent tracing of hadith chains;</li><li>Analytical tools for assessing narrator reliability;</li><li>Enhanced verification capabilities for religious researchers.</li><li>The latest version reportedly offers improved reasoning and source-analysis functions.</li></ul><h2>3. Thiqaat Verification Platform</h2>The Thiqaat Platform serves as a sophisticated verification engine.Its functions include:<ul><li>Cross-referencing information from the Rizvan corpus;</li><li>Assessing the authenticity of narrations;</li><li>Producing results tailored to the legal methodology of individual jurists.</li><li>The system's outputs can be configured according to a scholar's preferred jurisprudential framework, enabling customized legal analysis.</li></ul>&nbsp;Minayi concluded the event by placing these technological initiatives within a broader civilizational and geopolitical context.He argued that artificial intelligence can become:<blockquote>"A faithful assistant in building a New Islamic Civilization—one grounded in resistance, independence, and resilience."</blockquote>He also referred to the global competition in AI, particularly between the United States and China, and suggested that Iran's path to scientific and intellectual leadership lies in combining technological innovation with its deep religious and scholarly traditions.&nbsp;The unveiling of these platforms represents more than a technological milestone. It illustrates several broader trends:<ul><li>Digital Transformation of Islamic Scholarship: AI is increasingly being used to process, organize, and analyze centuries of Islamic literature that would otherwise require years of manual study.</li><li>Emergence of Computational Fiqh: The initiative contributes to the development of a new field that combines:<ul><li>Islamic jurisprudence,</li><li>Knowledge engineering,</li><li>Semantic technologies,</li><li>Machine learning, and</li><li>Decision-support systems.</li></ul></li><li>Iran's Ambition in Religious AI: The project positions Iran as one of the few countries actively developing AI systems specifically tailored for Islamic jurisprudence and religious sciences.</li><li>Human-in-the-Loop Religious AI: The institute repeatedly emphasized that AI is intended to assist, not replace, religious scholars, preserving the central role of human juristic reasoning (ijtihad).</li></ul>&nbsp;The launch of the Rizvan Hadith Corpus, Thiqaat Mobile Application, and Thiqaat Verification Platform, together with the development of the Mujtahid Assistant, marks an important milestone in the convergence of classical Islamic scholarship and artificial intelligence.By combining advanced computational tools with centuries of religious knowledge, Iran's seminaries are attempting to create a new model of digital Islamic scholarship—one that seeks to modernize research, improve legal reasoning, and contribute to what its proponents describe as the construction of a New Islamic Civilization.&nbsp;https://cica.ismc.ir/en/news-en/75007/iran-unveils-ai-powered-tools-to-revolutionize-islamic-scholarship-and-jurisprudence/

Islamic Institute of Science, Civilization, and Mysticism unveiled three new knowledge-based products designed to transform research in Islamic sciences 

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Iran Unveils AI-Powered Islamic Research Platforms, Marking a New Phase in Digital Islamic Scholarship

Shafaqna – Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy stated that nearly 300 knowledge-based companies active in the field of artificial intelligence are currently benefiting from grants and support provided by the Department of Science and Technology. He added that the AI sector in the country is expected to experience significant growth in 2026.&nbsp;According to a report by Shafaqna citing the Iran’s Vice President for Science and Technology, Hossein Afshin announced that new AI-related calls for proposals will be released in the coming days and that support packages for the next year are being prepared. He noted that nearly 300 knowledge-based companies active in this field are currently receiving supportive grants from the Vice Presidency.Regarding the organization's support programs for knowledge-based companies amid the expanding use of artificial intelligence, he said:<blockquote>“We have already issued several calls for proposals in the field of AI, and the next call will most likely be published within the next few days.”</blockquote>The Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy added:<blockquote>“Appropriate support packages have also been planned for next year so that we can continue to support technological development in this field.”</blockquote>He further stated that the good news for the public is that the fundamental infrastructure needed for the growth of AI technology in the country is currently being established. He concluded:<blockquote>“We expect to witness substantial growth in this sector during 2026.”</blockquote>

Grants and support for 300 knowledge-based companies active in artificial intelligence

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Artificial Intelligence Sector in Iran Will Experience Significant Growth in 2026

Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy announced the start of Phase 3 of the National Government AI Assistant Project, stating that 15 AI assistants have already been designed for government agencies and ministries.&nbsp;According to Mehr News Agency, the AI Assistant Project, overseen by the Vice President for &nbsp;Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy, was launched in May 2025 for key ministries and executive bodies. The project includes the design and implementation of AI assistants for the Ministries of Health, Economy and Finance, Industry, Communications and Information Technology, Energy, Agriculture, and other government organizations.&nbsp;The initiative aims to develop specialized AI assistants tailored to each ministry. By utilizing large volumes of sector-specific data, these tools are intended to analyze the consequences and outcomes of management decisions and support policy and decision-making processes. Under the project's implementation framework, responsibility for developing each ministry’s AI assistant has been assigned to leading Iranian universities according to their areas of expertise. To encourage competition and diversity in the final products, a different university has been selected for each ministry. These selections were made in consultation with the ministries and based on the universities’ scientific and research capabilities.&nbsp;In the first phase, approximately 14 selected universities were tasked with participating in model development, data analysis, and the localization of AI tools. Officials say this effort strengthens the role of universities in producing applied knowledge and developing strategic technologies. Previously, Hossein Afshin, Vice President for &nbsp;Science and Technology, stated that universities are required to use domestic language models when designing the AI assistants. Institutions that turned to foreign models reportedly received warnings. According to Afshin, one of the project's primary goals is the development of Iranian and Persian large language models (LLMs).<h3>Four Phases of the Project</h3>The AI Assistant Project is structured into four implementation phases:<ol><li>Phase 1: Uploading laws, regulations, and directives into the system so that ministers can verify whether proposed decisions comply with legal requirements. The system can then provide alerts and recommendations.</li><li>Phase 2: Integration of ministries’ day-to-day operational data.</li><li>Phase 3: Predictive analytics and decision-support modeling.</li><li>Phase 4: Final validation and continuous optimization of the system.</li></ol>According to the announced schedule:<ul><li>The first stage of Phase 1 was to be completed by June.</li><li>Phase 2 by October.</li><li>Phase 3 by January.</li><li>Final validation by the end of the Iranian year 1404 (March 2026).</li></ul>An initial version of the assistants was reviewed in August, and modifications to their content were subsequently planned.<h3>Budget</h3>Officials estimate that the total cost of designing an AI assistant for each ministry across all project phases will be between 13 and 15 billion tomans (approximately 130–150 billion rials).If a university is responsible for developing assistants for two ministries, it may receive funding of around 30 billion tomans.<h3>15 AI Assistants Developed So Far</h3>In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Hossein Afshin, explained that “So far, 15 AI assistants have been designed for various government agencies and ministries. The first and second phases have been completed, and Phase 3 has now begun. We also plan to continue expanding the project during 1405 (March 2026–March 2027).”&nbsp;He outlined the allocation of responsibilities among universities:<ul><li>University of Tehran — Ministry of Petroleum</li><li>Amirkabir University of Technology — Ministry of Roads and Urban Development</li><li>Isfahan University of Technology — Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade</li><li>Shiraz University — Ministry of Agriculture (Jihad-e-Agriculture)</li><li>Tarbiat Modares University — Department of Environment</li><li>Alzahra University — Ministry of Communications and Information Technology</li></ul>Afshin emphasized that the project is large in scope and must continue to be expanded and completed.<blockquote>“Our ultimate objective was not merely to execute a project. More importantly, we wanted to introduce the culture and practical use of artificial intelligence into government ministries and agencies, and fortunately we have made a successful start.”</blockquote>&nbsp;

Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy announced the start of Phase 3 of the National Government AI Assistant Project

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Phase 3 of the National “Government AI Assistant” Project Begins; Expansion Planned for 2026–2027

Malaysia has officially launched NurAI, described as the world’s first Shariah-compliant large language model (LLM) application aimed at addressing inaccuracies and bias in artificial intelligence content related to Islam. The launch was officiated in Kuala Lumpur by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said the platform was developed to ensure AI-generated Islamic information aligns with authentic Islamic teachings, values, and cultural sensitivities.&nbsp;According to Ahmad Zahid, many current global AI systems are primarily developed in Western countries, where the embedded cultural values and priorities may not fully reflect Islamic principles. He noted that some AI-generated responses concerning Islamic finance, aqidah (faith), and religious rulings have contained factual inaccuracies or cited unreliable sources.&nbsp;He said NurAI was designed not only to process language but also to understand Islamic ethics, preserve religious law, and uphold Muslim cultural identity.“AI systems today can sometimes provide answers that contradict Sharia principles or reference unauthentic sources when discussing Islamic matters. This is a gap we must address,” he said during the launch ceremony.The government believes the initiative could position Malaysia as a global leader in Shariah-compliant AI technology while strengthening cooperation with ASEAN nations and members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).&nbsp;Officials also said the platform could eventually serve as a trusted digital resource for matters involving halal and haram rulings, zakat, faraid, and Shariah-compliant investment guidance.&nbsp;The development of NurAI was facilitated by Zetrix AI through the China ASEAN AI Lab based at Zetrix Tower. Zetrix AI director Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah said the project demonstrates ASEAN’s ability to create advanced&nbsp;&nbsp;AI systems rooted in regional culture and values while remaining globally competitive.&nbsp;https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2455824

Malaysia has officially launched NurAI, described as the world’s first Shariah-compliant large language model application aimed at addressing inaccuracies

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Malaysia Launches NurAI, World’s First Shariah-Compliant AI Language Model

Islamic Seminary

Hojjat al-Islam Hosein Ethna-Ashari, Director of the Department of Contemporary Jurisprudence Fiqh (DCF), announced the launch of the second phase of the DCF’s strategic programs, noting that the first phase had been designed as a 20-year transformation plan from the outset of the institution.He emphasized that this long-term roadmap has guided the first phase of the DCF’s transformation agenda and continues to be implemented with precision. According to Hojjat al-Islam Ashari, the current outcomes of this phase include more than 70 scholarly works, reflecting a significant transformation for contemporary fiqh.Highlighting further achievements, he pointed to the registration of:<ul><li>over 110 advanced (kharij) courses in contemporary fiqh,&nbsp;</li><li>140 preparatory courses, and&nbsp;</li><li>300 advanced-level (al-fā’iq) courses, all offered in the current academic year alone.&nbsp;</li></ul>Hojjat al-Islam Esna Ashari added that the second phase of the DCF’s transformation efforts effectively began last year. Its initial step was marked by the teaching of the Islamic Economic System course by Ali Andalibi. He further noted that momentum accelerated following the message of Ali Khamenei to the centenary conference of the Hawza, pushing efforts toward the development of integrated intellectual systems to the forefront of the DCF’s mission.He concluded by stressing that, similar to the first phase, the full scope and impact of the second phase will gradually become clear over time and will require sustained effort to reach maturity. He also noted that, as with earlier developments, the DCF’s achievements continue to expand incrementally—evidenced by the selection of more than 110 advanced contemporary fiqh courses by instructors in the current year.

Hossein Esna Ashari, Director of the Department of contemporary Fiqh (DCF), announced the launch of the second phase of the departments strategic programs

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Department of Contemporary Fiqh Launches Second Phase of Strategic Programs

Contemporary Jurisprudence Education

Highlights of the Center:<ul><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Five key volumes on Islamic Legal Theory—including Al-Fāiq fī Al-Usūl, Al-Rāid fī Al-Usūl, and a related commentary—were compiled and taught in 240 classrooms across the country, reaching 5,000 students over the past two years</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Authoring the book entitled “A Legal Entity” and teaching this book on a trial basis</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Formation of 8 research groups with the cooperation of university professors in the fields of economics, fundamental rights, human rights, legal procedure, social media, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Cooperation with the jurists of the Islamic Seminary and holding advanced jurisprudential lessons in the subjects of cryptocurrencies, money, stock exchange, and capital market, judicial law, legislative jurisprudence, and legal entity</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Compilation and publication of 9 volumes of books out of the lessons of contemporary jurisprudence</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">A collaborative platform was developed with Islamic Seminary departments for professors and students to promote advanced jurisprudential studies in contemporary jurisprudence. This initiative led to a record-breaking academic year (2022–2023), with 50 courses and over 3,400 participants, making it the most attended and most offered subject area in advanced jurisprudence—representing nearly 45% of all enrolled students.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Announcement of more than 200 topics for level 3 and 4 thesis related to the topics that were taught.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Four books were compiled covering key topics: SDRs as the first international currency, legal perspectives on money, and AI ethics. These works will be distributed to seminary teachers and presented with published critical reviews and appropriate academic titles—similar to how the late Kashif al-Ghita’s Tahrīr al-Majala was introduced—for inclusion in curriculum at Islamic Seminaries and universities.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Formation of specialized working groups to review international and domestic documents and laws.&nbsp;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Compilation of a single-volume critique addressing UNESCO’s draft recommendations on AI ethics. Developed with input from experts in jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy, and law, the work was submitted to Iran’s UNESCO negotiation team and is slated for expansion into two comprehensive volumes for future publication.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Establishment of “Ijtihād to University” network to convert scholarly work from Islamic jurists into accessible academic articles. This effort successfully led to the publication of its first paper—on cryptocurrencies—in the Monetary and Banking Journal of Iran's Central Bank Research Institute, marking a breakthrough in bridging traditional jurisprudence and modern academic discourse.</li></ul>&nbsp;Future Plans<ul><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Introducing 8 foundational courses in contemporary jurisprudence, featuring 19 key titles including A Bank with Usury, Sovereignty in Islam, and other topical studies;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Planning the compilation of 7 new volumes covering advanced jurisprudential issues on contemporary subjects, scheduled for release in the upcoming academic year;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Officially launching the course titled "The Legal Entity" as part of contemporary jurisprudence, designed to complement the foundational text Makāsib;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Preparing to publish at least five specialized volumes, each accompanied by scholarly critique from seminary experts, on pivotal subjects including venture capital, monetary law, AI ethics, and separation of powers;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Producing an "Ijtihad Roundtable" program, a thought-provoking broadcast featuring seminarian jurists discussing key issues in jurisprudence and Islamic Legal Theory;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Undertaking the translation of Islamic Seminary educational materials into global languages to enrich and contribute to the international academic literature;</li></ul>The following photos are related to the unveiling ceremony of advanced jurisprudence books:<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:77.93%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_34_ae50c881c5.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:77.61%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_31_0f7ff73bce.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:76.64%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_05_a01d004172.jpg"></figure>

Director of the Center of Contemporary Jurisprudence, Hojjat al-Islam Hosein Ethna-Ashari, unveiled the achievements and plans of the center.

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contemporary-jurisprudence-textbooks

During the unveiling of newly published advanced jurisprudence volumes by the Office of Contemporary Jurisprudence, Hojjatoleslam Hosein Ethna-Ashari highlighted several major developments:&nbsp;Achievements:<ul><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Five key volumes on Islamic Legal Theory—including Al-Fāiq fī Al-Usūl, Al-Rāid fī Al-Usūl, and a related commentary—were compiled and taught in 240 classrooms across the country, reaching 5,000 students over the past two years;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Authoring the book entitled “A Legal Entity” and making a start on teaching this book on a trial basis;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Formation of 8 research groups with the cooperation of university professors in the fields of economics, fundamental rights, human rights, legal procedure, social media, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Cooperation with the jurists of the Islamic Seminary and launching advanced jurisprudential lessons in the subjects of cryptocurrencies, money, stock exchange, and capital market, judicial law, legislative jurisprudence, and legal entity;&nbsp;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Compilation and publication of 9 volumes of books out of the lessons of contemporary jurisprudence;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">A collaborative platform was developed with Islamic Seminary departments for professors and students to promote advanced jurisprudential studies in contemporary jurisprudence. This initiative led to a record-breaking academic year (2022–2023), with 50 courses and over 3,400 participants, making it the most attended and most offered subject area in advanced jurisprudence—representing nearly 45% of all enrolled students.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Announcement of more than 200 topics for level 3 and 4 theses related to the topics that were taught.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Four books were compiled covering key topics: SDRs as the first international currency, legal perspectives on money, and AI ethics. These works will be distributed to seminary teachers and presented with published critical reviews and appropriate academic titles—similar to how the late Kashif al-Ghita’s Tahrīr al-Majala was introduced—for inclusion in curriculum at Islamic Seminaries and universities.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Formation of specialized working groups to review international and domestic documents and laws.&nbsp;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Compilation of a single-volume critique addressing UNESCO’s draft recommendations on AI ethics. Developed with input from experts in jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy, and law, the work was submitted to Iran’s UNESCO negotiation team and is slated for expansion into two comprehensive volumes for future publication.</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Establishment of “Ijtihād to University” network to convert scholarly work from Islamic jurists into accessible academic articles. This effort successfully led to the publication of its first paper—on cryptocurrencies—in the Monetary and Banking Journal of Iran's Central Bank Research Institute, marking a breakthrough in bridging traditional jurisprudence and modern academic discourse.</li></ul>&nbsp;Future Plans<ul><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Introducing 8 foundational courses in contemporary jurisprudence, featuring 19 key titles including A Bank with Usury, Sovereignty in Islam, and other topical studies;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Planning the compilation of 7 new volumes covering advanced jurisprudential issues on contemporary subjects, scheduled for release in the upcoming academic year;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Officially launching the course titled "The Legal Entity" as part of contemporary jurisprudence, designed to complement the foundational text Makāsib;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Preparing to publish at least five specialized volumes, each accompanied by scholarly critique from seminary experts, on pivotal subjects including venture capital, monetary law, AI ethics, and separation of powers;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Producing an "Ijtihad Roundtable" program, a thought-provoking broadcast featuring seminarian jurists discussing key issues in jurisprudence and Islamic Legal Theory;</li><li style="direction:ltr;text-align:justify;">Undertaking the translation of Islamic Seminary educational materials into global languages to enrich and contribute to the international academic literature;</li></ul>In continuation, pictures related to the unveiling ceremony of the books of advanced jurisprudence have been uploaded:<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:77.93%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_34_ae50c881c5.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:77.61%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_31_0f7ff73bce.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:76.64%;"><img src="https://fms.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/photo_2022_11_16_23_26_05_a01d004172.jpg"></figure>

Head of Contemporary Jurisprudence Office, Hojjatoleslam Hosein Ethna-Ashari, unveiled the achievements and plans of the office.

Progress in Islamic Legal Thought; Achievements and Plans

Centre for Contemporary Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Hawza / Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Ethna-Ashari said: Undoubtedly, the scholarly works left behind by Ayatollah Boroujerdi (RA), Imam Khomeini (RA), Ayatollah Haeri (RA), and other great scholars are considered a precious treasure for contemporary Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).&nbsp;According to Hawza News Agency, on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Qom Seminary, a series of articles and interviews with distinguished figures from the seminary and universities is being published with the aim of enlightening young seminarians and the wider public.&nbsp;What follows is a brief report from the Fiqh and Usul Group of the Secretariat for the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Qom Seminary, as narrated by Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Ethna-Ashari, Director of the Office for Contemporary Jurisprudence (Fiqh) at the Qom Seminary.&nbsp;In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent&nbsp;The Fiqh and Usul Group was one of the most important groups formed within the framework of studying the scholarly developments of the Qom Seminary. The group’s primary responsibility was to examine the distinctive opinions and innovations of prominent jurists of Qom Seminary based on a pre-prepared list of leading scholars.An important point regarding fiqh is that it is clearly not a science that undergoes fundamental transformations in its theoretical structure or content. Rather, fiqh relies on a thousand-year-old methodology and tradition to address new issues and express opinions about them.&nbsp;Accordingly, the first step taken by the group was to begin a serious study involving around ten researchers from different levels, ranging from talented young seminarians to renowned professors and experienced researchers.In this process, in-depth studies were conducted on the jurisprudential and legal-theoretical views of scholars such as the Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi (RA), Imam Khomeini (RA), Ayatollah Sheikh Morteza Haeri (RA), Ayatollah Damad (RA), and Ayatollah Behjat (RA). We examined both the published articles about these great figures and their original works—mainly in fiqh and usul, and to a limited extent, in rijal studies.&nbsp;The prominent jurists of Qom, particularly the aforementioned scholars, generally face a shared challenge in the academic environment: very few people specialize in understanding their theories and explaining how these views differ from those of other jurists or mainstream jurisprudential opinions. Therefore, extensive scholarly work was required. Alongside studying the sources, we also benefited from the advice and guidance of academic scholars in order to identify leads and then examine and complete the material.&nbsp;This research process lasted nearly a year and a half. By God’s grace, five definitive works have so far been prepared, which will be presented in a single volume. There is also the possibility that works concerning some contemporary jurists, whose theories have already been collected, may be added to this collection.&nbsp;One notable and appealing aspect of this collection is that it has been written concisely, technically, and without unnecessary elaboration. In this work, the opinions of these great scholars are not presented in a broad and general manner; rather, only those parts of their views that were distinctive, innovative, or at least uncommon in their own time have been explained. The goal has been for the unique principles and perspectives of these jurists to become a starting point for new scholarly productions among researchers and seminary students.&nbsp;For example, Ayatollah Hossein Boroujerdi, contrary to the prevailing view, did not consider verbal indication alone sufficient and emphasized the significance of practical action. Likewise, the late Ruhollah Khomeini presented a highly distinctive and technical interpretation of the narration of Umar ibn Hanzala and its implication for the guardianship of the jurist (Wilāyat al-Faqīh) and Islamic governance. Interestingly, Ayatollah Boroujerdi also accepted that this narration indicates the guardianship of the jurist, though through a different line of reasoning.&nbsp;Another example concerns the views of Ayatollah Sheikh Morteza Haeri. He is among the jurists who have remained relatively under-recognized in recent years, despite truly being an original thinker and producer of significant jurisprudential scholarship. Unfortunately, his works were published late; some were compiled by his students, and some have not yet even been discussed in advanced jurisprudential classes. Consequently, they have not received sufficient attention from seminary researchers.&nbsp;We hope this scholarly work will mark the beginning of more serious attention to the lesser-known theories of some of our great jurists—views that deserve greater consideration from seminary scholars and researchers.Without doubt, the scholarly legacy left behind by Imam Khomeini (RA), Ayatollah Hossein Boroujerdi (RA), Ayatollah Sheikh Morteza Haeri (RA) and other great scholars constitutes a precious treasure for contemporary Islamic jurisprudence.&nbsp;We ask Almighty God to accept this small effort from us and make it worthy in His sight.&nbsp;And praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.

Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Ethna-Ashari: scholarly works left behind great scholars are considered a precious treasure for contemporary Islamic Fiqh

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Scholarly Works of Great Figures are a Precious Asset for Contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence

The research, published on the Islamic Law Blog by legal scholar M. Zubair Abbasi, evaluated leading AI systems including ChatGPT-4, Gemini, Co-Pilot, and DeepSeek in handling complex inheritance questions rooted in both Sunnī and Shīʿī jurisprudence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The study focused on how effectively large language models (LLMs) could interpret and apply Islamic inheritance rules across different legal jurisdictions such as Pakistan, Egypt, and Iran. Researchers tested the systems using scenarios ranging from basic inheritance calculations to more complex legal disputes involving orphaned grandchildren and modern state reforms. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the findings, ChatGPT-4 achieved the highest performance score at 80.5 percent, followed closely by DeepSeek at 77.5 percent. However, all systems showed declining performance as legal questions became more nuanced and jurisdiction-specific. &nbsp;&nbsp;The paper noted that AI systems frequently produced incorrect legal interpretations or fabricated references, particularly when dealing with modern legislative reforms. In one example, ChatGPT-4 reportedly cited the wrong Egyptian inheritance statute while incorrectly explaining inheritance rights in Pakistan under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961. &nbsp;&nbsp;To assess the systems, Abbasi developed a framework called the GenAI Evaluation Scale (GAIES), measuring accuracy, comprehensiveness, explainability, authenticity of references, and structure of information. While the AI models scored well in organizing information and presenting structured responses, accuracy remained their weakest area. &nbsp;&nbsp;The research also explored Google’s NotebookLM, which demonstrated stronger citation reliability because it generated responses based only on uploaded source materials. Although the tool achieved high accuracy in certain tests, researchers said it still lacked the ability to provide fully comprehensive legal analysis. &nbsp;&nbsp;Abbasi proposed a second framework known as the GenAI Application Scale (GAIAS), aimed at guiding ethical AI use in Islamic legal education and research. The scale outlines when AI can be safely used as a research assistant and when it should be avoided entirely, especially in areas involving sensitive religious interpretation or legal judgment. &nbsp;&nbsp;The study arrives amid growing global debate about the role of artificial intelligence in religion and legal scholarship. Online discussions among Muslim technology communities have reflected both optimism and concern over AI-generated Islamic guidance, with some users praising its research capabilities while others warning about misinformation and fabricated religious rulings. &nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the shortcomings, the study concludes that generative AI could still become a transformative tool in Islamic legal education and comparative legal research if implemented responsibly. Researchers suggested that future AI systems trained specifically on authenticated Islamic legal databases and supervised by qualified scholars may significantly improve reliability. &nbsp;The study also called for greater collaboration between AI developers, Islamic jurists, and legal academics to ensure future systems better reflect the diversity and complexity of Islamic jurisprudence while minimizing misinformation risks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://islamiclaw.blog/2025/04/03/roundtable-augmented-learning-generative-artificial-intelligence-and-islamic-inheritance-law/amp/">https://islamiclaw.blog/2025/04/03/roundtable-augmented-learning-generative-artificial-intelligence-and-islamic-inheritance-law/amp/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

An academic study examining the use of generative artificial intelligence in Islamic inheritance law has found that they require significant human oversight.

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Scholars Highlight Promise and Risks of Generative AI in Islamic Inheritance Law

According to the Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC), Hyder.ai has been trained on more than 300,000 data points sourced from authentic Twelver Shia books, articles, and scholarly materials. The model supports multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, French, and Hindi. &nbsp;Unlike general-purpose AI systems, Hyder.ai is designed specifically around the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Ahlul Bayt. The developers say the platform functions as a standalone question-and-answer system, meaning each query is processed independently without carrying over conversational context. &nbsp;&nbsp;As reported by the Islamic Research &amp; Information Center (IRIC), the tool is intended as an educational companion rather than a replacement for religious scholars. The organization noted that the AI does not provide jurisprudential rulings (fiqh) and users should continue consulting qualified scholars for religious guidance. &nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:45.32%;"><img src="https://fiqhci.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/IMG_2996_3e9e5d02db.PNG"></figure>&nbsp;The launch reflects a growing trend of faith-based AI tools emerging within religious communities. Similar projects focused on Shia Islamic knowledge and jurisprudence have recently appeared online, highlighting increasing interest in specialized AI trained on curated religious texts. &nbsp;&nbsp;Community reactions online have been mixed. While many users praised the initiative as a modern way to improve access to Islamic knowledge, others cautioned about the risks of relying too heavily on generative AI for religious matters and stressed the importance of scholarly oversight.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hyder.ai is accessible through its official website, Hyder.ai, and is also integrated into the Shia Ithna Asheri Toolkit mobile application. &nbsp;&nbsp;Please Note that the Center of Contemporary Jurisprudence (Fiqh) has not officially verified or endorsed the accuracy of this toolkit. The developers have also acknowledged that the platform is still in its training phase and encourages users to report on inaccuracies.&nbsp;

Artificial intelligence model trained exclusively on Shia Islam based on Prophet Muhammad and the Ahlul Bayt (as) has been launched