Artificial intelligence technologies contribute to supporting the fatwa system in Dubai through the development of digital platforms within the Fatwa Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. This aims to enhance reliable Islamic knowledge and provide sound fatwa services that keep pace with the rapid transformations in the smart digital environment.

The department is keen to develop communication channels with those seeking religious rulings to ensure they receive accurate fatwas in accordance with well-established scholarly standards. This is achieved by diversifying platforms that provide proactive, interactive, and personalized fatwa services.

Platforms for receiving personal fatwa inquiries include the department’s official website, its smart application, and the “Dubai Now” platform of the Dubai Government, in addition to answering fatwa inquiries via WhatsApp at 8003336. These multiple channels are provided to ensure accessibility for everyone through various convenient means.

As for proactive fatwas, they are prepared and published through media outlets and social media platforms, particularly during seasons of worship such as Ramadan, Hajj, and the Eids. Their aim is to educate the public about Islamic rulings before frequently asked questions arise and to reinforce the correct understanding of acts of worship and transactions.

The Fatwa Department has adopted a precise, multi-stage system to ensure the accuracy of Islamic rulings, especially in light of the increasing spread of random and unregulated fatwas on various social media platforms.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Haddad, Director of the Fatwa Department, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the first stage involves applying closed internal artificial intelligence systems to previous fatwas issued by the department, as well as to the approved jurisprudential sources available to them from the books of Islamic schools of thought and comparative jurisprudence, without relying on unreliable external sources. This applies particularly to questions that are frequently asked.

The second stage, according to Al Haddad, involves a group of trained muftis who are well-versed in Islamic schools of jurisprudence and comparative fiqh reviewing the answers or draft fatwas generated by the system to ensure their scholarly accuracy and jurisprudential soundness. They also prepare fatwas for issues that have not previously been addressed. After that, the fatwa undergoes a third stage of review by specialized supervisors in fatwa affairs to verify the correctness of the response.

Regarding complex issues that require deeper research and scholarly grounding, Al Haddad noted that they are referred to the official fatwa service, where they are studied collectively by the muftis. The relevant Islamic evidence and jurisprudential references are discussed to reach the ruling that is closest to the correct conclusion according to the approved scholarly methodology.

Dr. Al Haddad also spoke about the confidentiality and privacy of those seeking fatwas, stating that all submitted data is considered private information and is accessible only to the specialized fatwa team. It is referred to only when necessary, such as when contacting the inquirer to clarify certain aspects of the question or to identify the country of the inquirer if the question relates to local customs or terminology. He also noted that the service allows individuals to submit inquiries without logging in, for those who prefer not to disclose any personal data, reinforcing the principles of privacy and trust.

It is worth noting that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai launched last year its Artificial Intelligence and Data Strategy (2025–2027). This step aims to develop the institutional work system and enhance the efficiency of religious and charitable services through smart digital solutions, in line with the emirate’s commitment to adopting the latest technologies in this field.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)