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The paper, titled Islam, Big Data, and Digital Ethics: Challenges in Religious Life in the Digital Age, argues that Muslim societies are entering a new era in which technology increasingly influences worship, religious authority, education, and spiritual identity. &nbsp;Published in the Pharos Journal of Theology, the study explores how AI-powered applications, algorithm-driven platforms, and large-scale data collection are becoming embedded in everyday religious practices. Researchers say Muslims now rely heavily on mobile applications for prayer reminders, Qur’an recitation, online fatwas, digital zakat systems, and virtual religious learning. These technologies have dramatically expanded access to Islamic knowledge, especially for Muslims living in non-Muslim-majority countries or regions with limited access to scholars and mosques.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors describe this transformation as more than a technological upgrade. According to the study, digitalization represents a “fundamental and pervasive shift” in how Muslims interact with faith, community, and spirituality. Social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and X have enabled religious teachers and influencers to reach global audiences instantly, creating what researchers describe as a new “digital Muslim public sphere”. &nbsp;&nbsp;Researchers note that digital technology has brought clear advantages. AI systems can personalize worship experiences, improve access to religious education, automate administrative religious services, and strengthen global Islamic connectivity. Online learning tools also allow users to study tajwid, Islamic jurisprudence, and theology remotely with unprecedented convenience. &nbsp;&nbsp;However, the paper warns that these benefits come with growing ethical and theological concerns. One major issue highlighted is privacy and data misuse. The study argues that many Islamic applications collect sensitive personal information, including religious behavior, location data, financial activity, and spiritual habits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Researchers warn that without proper safeguards, this data could be exploited commercially or politically. Islamic ethics, the authors argue, strongly emphasize dignity, confidentiality, trust, and protection of personal information, making digital privacy a central concern for Muslim communities. &nbsp;&nbsp;The researchers also express concern that technology may weaken the spiritual depth of religious practice. While digital tools make worship easier and more accessible, they may unintentionally encourage a more mechanical and superficial approach to faith. The paper questions whether AI-generated religious experiences can truly replace the emotional and spiritual connection associated with direct worship, community gatherings, and human interaction. &nbsp;&nbsp;Another key concern involves the changing nature of religious authority online. Traditional scholars and institutions increasingly compete with independent online preachers and influencers who often have large digital followings but limited scholarly oversight. According to the study, this shift has democratized religious discussion but also increased the spread of misinformation, unverified fatwas, ideological polarization, and extremist interpretations. Researchers warn that algorithms designed to maximize engagement may amplify divisive or sensational religious content. &nbsp;&nbsp;The paper places special emphasis on the Islamic principle of tabayyun — verification of information before accepting or spreading it. In the digital age, researchers say this principle has become critical in combating fake news, manipulated religious content, and online radicalization.&nbsp; To address these challenges, the study proposes the creation of a proactive Islamic digital ethics framework rooted in core Islamic values such as justice (al-adl), honesty (as-sidq), trustworthiness (al-amanah), and social responsibility. The framework would guide how Muslim societies design, regulate, and use emerging technologies. Researchers argue that AI systems and big data practices should align with maqasid al-shariah — the higher objectives of Islamic law — including the protection of religion, life, intellect, family, and property.&nbsp; The study also highlights the growing role of ijtihad — independent Islamic reasoning — in adapting traditional religious principles to modern technological realities. Scholars, technologists, policymakers, and educators are encouraged to work together to ensure that innovation strengthens rather than undermines spiritual and ethical values.&nbsp; Experts say the concerns raised in the paper reflect wider global debates surrounding AI ethics and digital governance. Broader research in digital ethics has similarly warned that artificial intelligence and mass data collection could threaten privacy, cultural diversity, human autonomy, and social cohesion if left unchecked.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors conclude that digital technology itself is not inherently harmful, but its impact depends on how societies choose to govern and apply it. They argue that responsible innovation, guided by ethical and spiritual principles, could allow Muslim communities to benefit from technological progress without sacrificing the deeper human and spiritual dimensions of religious life.&nbsp;Agung Saputra and Erni Asneli Asbi, “Islam, Big Data, and Digital Ethics: Challenges in Religious Life in the Digital Age”, &nbsp;Pharos Journal of Theology 106(106.4)DOI:10.46222/pharosjot.106.4022LicenseCC BY-NC-ND 4.0, August 2025.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394209614_Islam_Big_Data_and_Digital_Ethics_Challenges_in_Religious_Life_in_the_Digital_Age

Academic study warns that AI, big data, and digital platforms are rapidly transforming Islamic religious life in ways that bring opportunities and ethical risks

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Researchers Call for Islamic Digital Ethics Framework as AI Reshapes Religious Life

The global halal investment industry is entering a new phase of rapid expansion, with Islamic finance assets projected to approach $10 trillion within the next few years as demand for Shariah-compliant and ethical financial products accelerates worldwide. New industry data shows that Islamic finance is no longer a niche sector but an increasingly influential part of the global financial system.&nbsp; &nbsp;According to the 2025 Islamic Finance Development Indicator report released by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), global Islamic finance assets reached approximately $5.98 trillion in 2024, reflecting 21 percent year-on-year growth. The report projects the industry could expand to $9.7 trillion by 2029, driven by growth in Islamic banking, sukuk, Islamic funds, and fintech innovation [1]. Separate projections from Standard Chartered estimate global Islamic finance assets will surpass $7.5 trillion by 2028, up from roughly $5.5 trillion in 2024 [2]. &nbsp;Islamic Banking Still Dominates the Sector Islamic banking continues to account for the majority of the industry, representing roughly 72 percent of total Islamic finance assets globally. Industry reports show Islamic banking assets exceeded $4 trillion in 2024 and are expected to continue growing strongly across the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. The three largest Islamic finance markets — Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia — collectively account for approximately $4.3 trillion, or around 72 percent of global Islamic finance assets [3]. The IFDI (Islamic Finance Development Indicator) report states that Islamic finance now operates across roughly 140 countries through more than 2,000 Islamic financial institutions, highlighting the industry’s growing international footprint [3].&nbsp;&nbsp;Sukuk Market Passes $1 Trillion One of the fastest-growing sectors remains sukuk, or Islamic bonds, which comply with Islamic prohibitions on interest-based lending.&nbsp;&nbsp;The global sukuk market surpassed $1 trillion in outstanding value during 2024 for the first time in history, according to the ICD-LSEG report. Total global sukuk issuance reached approximately $254.3 billion, up 11 percent year-on-year [4]. The report also found that ESG-linked sukuk surpassed $50 billion globally, with approximately $15.4 billion in sustainability-related sukuk issuances during 2024 [4].&nbsp;Industry experts say “green sukuk” products tied to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure are becoming increasingly attractive to both Muslim and non-Muslim investors seeking ethical investment alternatives. &nbsp;ESG and Ethical Investing Drive Growth Analysts say halal investing increasingly overlaps with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing as younger Muslim investors seek portfolios aligned with both religious and ethical values. &nbsp;Financial experts say many younger investors now prioritize investments that avoid industries considered harmful or unethical, including gambling, alcohol, weapons manufacturing, and excessive debt exposure. The Gaza war and broader geopolitical tensions have also intensified discussions among Muslim investors regarding ethical screening standards. Online Muslim finance communities have debated whether some “Shariah-compliant” investment funds still include companies linked to controversial political activities or interest-based financing systems. Halal ETFs and Digital Platforms Expand Rapidly The growth of Islamic fintech has significantly widened access to halal investment products, especially among younger retail investors. &nbsp;Shariah-compliant exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as SPUS, HLAL, IGDA, SPSK, and newer Islamic UCITS products have gained strong traction in online Muslim investing communities. Investors increasingly use mobile investing apps and AI-driven stock screening platforms to identify compliant investments while avoiding prohibited sectors [5]. &nbsp;Industry analysts say Islamic fintech could become one of the sector’s most transformative forces over the next decade, helping younger Muslims access global capital markets while remaining aligned with religious principles. &nbsp;Debate Over “True” Halal Investing Continues Despite rapid growth, debates continue among scholars and investors regarding what qualifies as genuinely halal investing. Some Muslim investors argue that many modern Islamic finance products replicate conventional financial systems while merely removing explicit interest terminology. Others maintain that Shariah-compliant frameworks offer practical alternatives that allow Muslims to participate responsibly in the global economy. &nbsp;Potential regulatory reforms by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) could further reshape the industry. Proposed standards may require sukuk structures to become more genuinely asset-backed rather than loosely asset-based — a change some analysts warn could significantly alter parts of the trillion-dollar sukuk market if implemented aggressively.&nbsp;Islamic Finance Expands Beyond Muslim Markets Industry leaders increasingly describe Islamic finance as a global ethical finance model rather than solely a religious niche. Analysts at LSEG Islamic Finance Research say the industry is entering “a new era defined by scale, sustainability, and strategic integration,” with rising interest from both Muslim and non-Muslim investors seeking resilient and values-based financial products.&nbsp; Researchers believe demographic growth, digital finance expansion, sovereign investment programs, and growing interest in ethical investing will continue driving the halal finance sector’s global rise throughout the next decade.&nbsp;[1] ICD – LSEG Islamic Finance Development Report 2025:50 Years of Exponential Growth <a href="https://www.lseg.com/en/data-analytics/islamic-finance/islamic-market-intelligence/islamic-finance-development-report-2025">https://www.lseg.com/en/data-analytics/islamic-finance/islamic-market-intelligence/islamic-finance-development-report-2025</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;[2] Navigating uncertainty: Global Islamic finance assets expected to exceed $6.7 trillion by 2027https://www.lseg.com/en/insights/data-analytics/navigating-uncertainty-global-islamic-finance-assets-expected-to-exceed-67-trillion-by-2027?utm_source=chatgpt.com&nbsp;[3] ICD – LSEG Islamic FinanceDevelopment Report 2025 <a href="https://www.lseg.com/content/dam/data-analytics/en_us/documents/reports/lseg-islamic-finance-development-indicator-2025.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://www.lseg.com/content/dam/data-analytics/en_us/documents/reports/lseg-islamic-finance-development-indicator-2025.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com</a>&nbsp;[4] LSEG and ICD Announce Findings Of The 2025 Islamic Finance Development Indicator Report Global Islamic Finance Assets Projected to Reach &nbsp;US$9.7 Trillion By 2029<a href="https://icd-ps.org/en/news/lseg-and-icd-announce-findings-of-the-2025-islamic-finance-development-indicator-report-global-islamic-finance-assets-projected-to-reach-us97-trillion-by-2029?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://icd-ps.org/en/news/lseg-and-icd-announce-findings-of-the-2025-islamic-finance-development-indicator-report-global-islamic-finance-assets-projected-to-reach-us97-trillion-by-2029?utm_source=chatgpt.com</a>&nbsp;[5] Reddit: What is your view on Islamic Finance Market Size 6 Trillion - 10 Billion Trillion by 2029

Global halal investment industry is entering a new phase of rapid expansion, with Islamic finance assets projected to approach $10 trillion in the next few year

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Halal Investing Industry Surges Toward $10 Trillion as Ethical Finance Goes Mainstream

The Global Islamic Finance Summit 2026 is set to take place on June 22, 2026, at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference &amp; Events Centre in Dubai. This premier gathering serves as a critical platform for advancing the global Islamic finance landscape, bringing together regulators, Shariah scholars, and industry pioneers to discuss the future of ethical banking and capital markets.&nbsp;The 2026 summit will focus on several pivotal themes, including the evolution of the global Sukuk market, the standardization of Shariah frameworks—specifically focusing on the roles of AAOIFI and the UAE Higher Sharia Authority—and the growing impact of fintech on Sharia-compliant financial services. Attendees will explore actionable insights regarding sustainable investment strategies, ESG-Shariah convergence, and the role of Islamic project financing in powering global infrastructure.&nbsp;With the Islamic finance sector projected to see significant growth in assets by the end of the decade, this event offers an essential forum for networking and knowledge exchange among global stakeholders.&nbsp;Registration Information Registration for the Global Islamic Finance Summit 2026 is currently open. Interested participants are encouraged to secure their places early to ensure access to all sessions and networking events.<ul><li>Event Date: June 22, 2026</li><li>Location: Madinat Jumeirah Conference &amp; Events Centre, Dubai</li><li>Registration Deadline: Prospective attendees are advised to register by June 1, 2026, to guarantee placement.</li><li>Official Registration Link: <a href="https://globalbankingmarkets.com/global-islamic-finance-summit-2026">Global Islamic Finance Summit 2026</a></li></ul>

The Global Islamic Finance Summit 2026 is set to take place on June 22, 2026, at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre in Dubai.

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Global Islamic Finance Summit 2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concern for justice systems—it is already shaping how courts operate, from evidence analysis to judicial decision-making. Yet many legal professionals remain without clear guidance on how to assess these technologies in line with fundamental rights and the rule of law. &nbsp;To address this growing gap, UNESCO and the University of Oxford have launched a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled AI, Justice and Rule of Law. The free, global course is designed to help judicial professionals navigate the ethical, legal, and human rights implications of AI in modern legal systems. Developed in partnership with Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Blavatnik School of Government, and the Faculty of Law, and supported by the European Union, the course aims to equip judges, prosecutors, and legal practitioners with practical tools to evaluate and engage with AI technologies in courts. &nbsp;What sets this initiative apart is UNESCO’s leadership in integrating key issues—such as AI in evidence, judicial independence, and women’s rights—into a single, practice-oriented framework. A central feature of the course is a newly introduced AI and Rule of Law Checklist, designed to help legal professionals scrutinize AI systems and their outputs, including when they are used as evidence in judicial proceedings. &nbsp;The course is now open in English, with French and Spanish versions scheduled for release in June 2026. Enrolment is already underway. “Cases involving AI are no longer theoretical; they are here, and they are growing,” said UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mariya Gabriel. “When that moment comes before you, will you be ready to respond with confidence and clarity?” Course Overview&nbsp;<ul><li>Duration: Approximately 12 hours of guided learning, plus optional materials&nbsp;</li><li>Format: Online and self-paced&nbsp;</li><li>Cost: Free, funded by UNESCO with EU support&nbsp;</li><li>Languages: English available now; French and Spanish from June 2026&nbsp;</li><li>Certification: Digital Certificate of Completion from the University of Oxford in partnership with UNESCO and its faculties</li></ul> Building Capacity for AI in Courts As courts continue to modernize, AI tools are increasingly used in case management, legal research, and evidence evaluation. While these technologies promise greater efficiency and broader access to justice, they also raise critical concerns around fairness, transparency, accountability, and due process. According to Proffessor Ignacio Tirado (Secretary-General at UNIDROIT), courts are now regularly asked to assess AI systems within legal proceedings. “Whether AI facilitates or undermines the rule of law will depend on the scrutiny and institutional safeguards courts bring to it,” he noted. &nbsp;The course builds on existing international guidance, including UNESCO’s frameworks on AI in judicial systems, and addresses pressing questions such as how judges should interpret algorithmic outputs, how to prevent bias, and how to maintain judicial independence in an increasingly automated environment. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the context in which legal decisions are made,” said Professor Mette Morsing (Interim Peter Moore's Dean, Saïd Bussiness School, Oxford University). “The challenge is no longer whether to engage with AI, but how to do so responsibly and with integrity.” The programme also emphasizes the role of courts in protecting vulnerable groups. Philippa Webb highlighted that the course equips judicial actors to “uphold fair trial rights, identify AI-driven harms to women and vulnerable communities, and harness AI’s potential for justice”. (Professor of Public International Law, University of Oxford, Blavatnik School of Government) &nbsp;Who Should Enroll? The course is tailored for a wide range of legal and public sector professionals, including:<ul><li>Judges, magistrates and judicial officers</li><li>Prosecutors and public defenders</li><li>Court administrators and leaders responsible for judicial reform</li><li>Court staff</li><li>Lawyers, solicitors and legal practitioners in civil or criminal law</li><li>Policymakers working on court modernisation or justice governance</li><li>Civil servants involved in the digitalisation of courts or legal services</li><li>Legal advisers, regulatory professionals and compliance specialists</li><li>Legal academics, researchers, law students and early-career legal professionals</li><li>The course will also be relevant to those working closely alongside courts in roles that shape adjudication, evidence, procedural fairness and access to justice. &nbsp;</li></ul>No technical background is required. The course is designed to equip participants with the conceptual understanding and practical tools needed to evaluate and oversee AI systems used within courts and adjudicative processes. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-university-oxford-launch-free-global-course-ai-and-rule-law">https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-university-oxford-launch-free-global-course-ai-and-rule-law</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Developed in partnership with UNESCO, this course provides a human rights-based framework for understanding AI’s impact on justice systems and safeguarding the rule of law.https://secure.sbs.ox.ac.uk/corporate/landingPage.do?method=load&amp;corporateGroupId=7948447&nbsp;

UNESCO and the University of Oxford have launched a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled AI, Justice and Rule of Law

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UNESCO and University of Oxford Launch Free Global Course on AI and the Rule of Law

Iran

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

Qom, Iran — The deadline for submitting abstracts to the Second National Conference on “Religion, Culture and New Media” has been extended until late June, organizers announced, giving researchers additional time to contribute to the growing discussion on the intersection of faith and digital transformation.&nbsp;According to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting News Agency, full paper submissions will now be accepted until August 21, while the results of the review process are scheduled to be announced on September 21. The conference, organized by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting University in collaboration with the Faculty of Religion and Media in Qom, aims to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from the shift from traditional media to modern digital platforms.&nbsp;Organizers said the event will address a wide range of topics, including religious audience analysis, artificial intelligence, audience rights, and user ethics in the digital age. The conference is expected to provide both theoretical insights and practical solutions, particularly for enhancing religious programming and strengthening media authority in an increasingly digital landscape. They added that the findings presented at the conference could help Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting improve its engagement with audiences and adapt to new media environments.&nbsp;Key themes&nbsp;The conference will cover six main thematic areas, including: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Theoretical foundations of religious audience studies &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The role of emerging technologies and AI in shaping religious engagement &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Legal and ethical considerations in new media &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;International dimensions of media and audiences &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;User behavior and ethics in digital environments &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The future of intelligent media and audience interaction&nbsp;Researchers and interested participants are invited to submit their work in line with these themes to the conference secretariat based in Qom.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.iribnews.ir/files/fa/news/1405/2/15/56145952_508.webp" alt="تمدید مهلت ارسال مقالات به همایش «دین، فرهنگ و رسانه‌های نوین»"></figure><a href="https://iribu.ac.ir/congress/">https://iribu.ac.ir/congress/</a>&nbsp;https://www.iribnews.ir/fa/news/5783653/تمدید-مهلت-ارسال-مقالات-به-همایش-دین-فرهنگ-و-رسانه‌های-نوین

Deadline for submitting abstracts to the Second National Conference on “Religion, Culture and New Media” has been extended until late June

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Deadline Extended for Conference on “Religion, Culture and New Media”

The head of the AI Research and Advancement Center, Afshin Sandoughdar, at Jahad Daneshgahi (Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research - a major public research and academic organization in Iran.) has announced the launch of a project to develop deep Persian-language models, emphasizing that the initiative aims to better capture the cultural and literary nuances of Iranian society. &nbsp;In an interview with ISNA (News Agency in Iran), Afshin Sandoughdar highlighted the sensitivity of applying artificial intelligence in cultural and social domains, stating that defining the boundaries of its use is among the center’s key strategic missions. He noted that relying solely on quantitative models and pre-defined algorithms is insufficient for making definitive judgments about complex cultural phenomena. Referring to the center’s four guiding principles in applying AI to cultural and social issues, he explained that the first principle is localization and contextualization. According to him, no algorithm or model will be used in research without being adapted to Iran’s cultural, linguistic, and social context, as many existing tools are built on Western data and assumptions that may lead to misleading conclusions if applied directly. Sandoughdar identified interdisciplinarity as the second principle, stressing that no cultural or social project will be approved or implemented without the active involvement of experts in the humanities and social sciences. Specialists such as sociologists, anthropologists, social psychologists, and communication experts play a crucial role in preventing oversimplification and ensuring that research methods align with the complexity of cultural phenomena. He added that the third principle focuses on social participation and field validation. Research findings, he said, must be shared with target groups and stakeholders so that real-world feedback can be incorporated into the analysis and refinement of models. While algorithms may reveal correlations, interpreting them within lived social contexts requires human expertise. Emphasizing the fourth principle, Sandoughdar stated that transparency and explainability are essential in cultural research. Researchers must clearly indicate which parts of an analysis are conducted by AI, what algorithms and assumptions are used, and where human judgment plays a role. &nbsp;He also outlined plans for collaboration with academic institutions, expressing the need for closer cooperation with the Research Institute for Humanities and Social Studies of Jahad Daneshgahi in the coming year. One key initiative involves designing a system to intelligently monitor cultural trends in cyberspace. Using Persian language processing and machine learning, the system will aim to identify shifts in cultural preferences, lifestyles, and media consumption patterns among Iranians. According to Sandoughdar, cultural studies experts will work alongside computer engineers throughout the project to oversee algorithm design and interpret findings. &nbsp;He further announced a joint project in sociology for “Modeling Social Dynamics and Social Capital.” The initiative will combine survey data with information derived from online social interactions to develop a framework for measuring and predicting changes in social capital across different regions of the country. He emphasized that the continuous involvement of sociologists will ensure accurate operationalization of social capital indicators and enable analysis that goes beyond purely quantitative approaches toward a deeper understanding of qualitative social dimensions. &nbsp;Mr Sandoughdar also pointed to expanding scientific collaborations in areas such as language, cultural economics, and international engagement. He stressed that the center’s approach to AI is based on localization, collective expertise, and interdisciplinary capacity. In this context, partnerships with Persian language and literature departments at major universities, including the University of Tehran and Tarbiat Modares University, are on the agenda. &nbsp;Highlighting the unique challenges of Persian language processing due to its specific morphological and syntactic features, Mr Sandoughdar announced that the “Deep Language Models for Persian” project will begin soon, aiming to create advanced models capable of more accurately understanding the subtleties of the language.&nbsp;News Report: https://www.isna.ir/news/1405021206874/توسعه-مدل-های-بومی-هوش-مصنوعی-برای-زبان-فارسی-در-دستور-کار-جهاد&nbsp;

The head of the AI Research and Advancement Center at Jahad Daneshgahi has announced the launch of a project to design deep Persian-language models.

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Jahad Daneshgahi Prioritizes Development of Indigenous AI Models

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.

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"Delay in Adopting Computers Is a Loss" Martyred Supreme Leader Warned

Prominent Iranian messaging platforms—Soroush Plus (https://soroushplus.com/) and Bale (https://web.bale.ai/) —have recently rolled out AI-powered features, enabling users to interact with advanced chatbots without relying on foreign services. Integrated directly within the apps, these tools eliminate the need for separate registrations or external platforms. According to product managers, the AI assistants support a wide range of functions, including generating written content, answering questions, translating text, solving academic exercises, and even producing images from text prompts—an increasingly popular capability in modern AI systems. The integration of AI chatbots into domestic messaging apps reflects a broader push toward technological self-reliance in Iran. By embedding these tools into widely used communication platforms, developers aim to make artificial intelligence more accessible for everyday use—spanning education, business, and entertainment. As global adoption of AI continues to accelerate, Iran’s approach to localizing and democratizing the technology within its own digital ecosystem highlights a strategic effort to reduce dependency on foreign platforms while fostering the growth of its domestic tech industry.

In a significant step toward expanding access to artificial intelligence, Iran’s domestic messaging platforms are increasingly embedding AI chatbot services.

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Iranian Messaging Apps integrate AI Chatbots for Everyday Use

Iran is accelerating its push to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence, as the government has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the country’s AI sector. Backed by a $115 million investment in research and development, Tehran is seeking to strengthen its technological position despite ongoing sanctions and infrastructure constraints. &nbsp;As part of this strategy, Iran has taken steps to build a national AI ecosystem. In 2024, the government established the National AI Organisation under presidential supervision, aiming to place the country among the world’s top AI powers within the next decade. In March 2025, officials unveiled a prototype of a national AI platform, with a full version expected within a year. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated AI park in Tehran to support innovation and startups. Iran’s AI ambitions are supported by a strong academic foundation, with institutions such as Sharif University of Technology, University of Tehran, and Amirkabir University of Technology playing a central role in research and talent development. The country ranks among the top in the region for AI-related scientific output and has seen rapid growth in AI startups across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, e-commerce, and security. At the regional level, Tehran is also pursuing cooperation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Restrictions linked to international sanctions have limited access to global markets, prompting the country to invest in domestic solutions such as the National Information Network—an independent internet infrastructure designed to support digital operations, including AI development, even under external constraints.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran is accelerating its push to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence