Dubai Launches `World`s First` AI-Based Fatwa Service

Dubai has unveiled the world’s first AI-powered fatwa service, known as “Virtual Ifta,” a groundbreaking platform designed to provide instant, automated Islamic rulings on religious matters. This innovative service, developed by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), currently answers over 200 questions related to salah (prayer) but is expected to expand into other key areas of Islamic faith, such as fasting, purity, ablution, and financial matters.

The launch of Virtual Ifta represents a significant shift in how fatwas are issued, transitioning from traditional face-to-face meetings and phone consultations to the cutting-edge use of AI technology. Instead of an Islamic scholar manually responding, Virtual Ifta allows users to engage with an AI chatbot that provides instant responses to religious inquiries via Internet chat. The system is accessible 24/7 through the IACAD website, making religious guidance available anytime, anywhere.

Evolution of Fatwa Services

At the launch event, held at The Boulevard, Emirates Towers, visitors experienced the evolution of fatwa services, presented through an engaging exhibition. A video highlighted the transformation from direct consultations to the introduction of technology, such as phone, email, video conferencing, and now AI. This latest development aligns with Dubai’s ’10X’ initiative, a government program designed to keep the city a decade ahead in delivering public services through innovation.

Currently, Virtual Ifta is available in Arabic and English through IACAD’s website. Users simply click the “Chat with us” icon and select their topic of inquiry, including prayer, zakat, purity, and worship. The system then generates automated responses using AI technology. While in its early stages, the service is poised for expansion. The next phase will integrate WhatsApp functionality, cover more Islamic topics, and introduce additional languages to cater to a broader audience.

Tariq Al Emadi, Head of the Fatwa Section at IACAD, emphasized that Virtual Ifta is an intelligent system capable of interpreting user queries. “If the AI is unsure of your question, it will prompt you with clarification options to ensure you receive the most relevant response,” he said. Shortly, the system will also feature audio responses, offering an enhanced user experience by delivering fatwas both in written and spoken formats.

To ensure ease of use, Virtual Ifta is designed to be highly intuitive, making it accessible to both scholars and laypeople alike. The service will soon be available through IACAD’s smart app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ensuring even greater convenience for users. A disclaimer appears when users ask questions, noting that while precautions are taken, errors in AI-generated responses are possible, encouraging users to contact IACAD for further clarification if necessary.

The development of Virtual Ifta is part of Dubai’s broader vision to harness advanced technology to enhance public services, ensuring the city remains a global leader in innovation. The launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of IACAD’s establishment, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of religious guidance services in Dubai.

At the launch event, senior officials, including Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, and Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al Haddad, Director of the IFTA Department at IACAD, expressed their excitement about the potential of AI to revolutionize how Islamic rulings are issued. “This AI service is a major leap in how we offer religious guidance to Muslims worldwide,” said Belhoul.

Looking ahead, Virtual Ifta will continue to evolve, incorporating more complex Islamic rulings beyond prayer. With plans to include fasting, zakat, and other areas of religious practice, the system will cater to a wider range of Muslim queries, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for both technology and Islamic guidance.

By integrating AI into fatwa services, Dubai not only meets the needs of the tech-savvy generation but also ensures that Islamic guidance is accessible to Muslims across the world, with accurate, timely, and user-friendly solutions.