Iran’s Holy City of Qom Embraces Artificial Intelligence
Iran’s holy city of Qom is renowned for its significance in Islamic learning and pilgrimage, rather than as a hotspot for cutting-edge technology. Nevertheless, even the devout religious leaders of the city are now recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and exploring its applications in their religious practices. From analyzing lengthy Islamic texts to issuing religious edicts, they believe that AI can serve as a trusted assistant, accelerating processes that used to take months into mere hours.
Mohammad Ghotbi, the head of a state-linked organization in Qom that supports technology businesses, claims that “robots can’t replace senior clerics, but they can be a trusted assistant that can help them issue a fatwa in five hours instead of 50 days.”
Iran has historically struggled with finding a balance between tradition and modernity. The country’s Shia clergy, with Qom as their epicenter, have long been the champions of preserving traditional and religious values. However, increased pressure for modernization following last year’s protests has prompted the clerical establishment to embrace technology as a means to showcase development while strengthening the Islamic character of the country.
Ghotbi, who leads the Eshragh Creativity and Innovation House, supports this approach and believes that the clergy should not hinder Iranians from benefiting from global technological advances. He states, “Today’s society favors acceleration and progress.”
While most clerics adhere to traditional methods of Islamic study, a leading Shia cleric recently expressed his belief that AI has the potential to expedite the learning process. The clerical AI movement is still in its early stages, with only a few dozen projects currently underway in Qom and other cities.
The religious establishment in Iran began exploring ways to utilize AI after Qom’s first AI conference took place in 2020. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, the head of Qom Seminary – the largest Shia institution in the world, opened up to the possibilities of AI and its ability to accelerate Islamic studies and communication to the public. The Noor Computer Centre for Islamic Sciences Research, Qom’s leading AI research center, affiliated with the seminary, has access to ancient scrolls and data sources that can be integrated into AI algorithms.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has also emphasized the importance of AI and urged clergy to embrace its possibilities. He aims for Iran to be among the top 10 countries globally in terms of artificial intelligence. By demonstrating his support, Khamenei has granted the clergy the mandate to pursue cutting-edge technology and catch up with regional rivals like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
However, while AI might revolutionize certain aspects of religious study and practice, the older generation of top-ranking clergy, who predominantly rely on traditional methods, are unlikely to change their approach. Younger clerics, on the other hand, are more open to technological advancements.
Iran’s clergy’s foray into AI coincides with mounting societal and external pressure to ease strict social and religious restrictions, particularly those affecting women. The protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody and subsequent calls for a secular, modern state have prompted the clerical establishment to respond. Mohammad Ghotbi argues that these societal shifts have unsettled some religious Iranians and reinforced their desire to seek solace through Islamic teachings. Technology, including AI, could assist the clergy in addressing public concerns and reconciling them with Islam, as well as making rulings for an increasingly complex society.
Ghotbi maintains that AI does not necessarily mean that Iran will align more closely with Western secular views. He asserts that efforts are being made to localize technology usage to align with the country’s cultural values.
Ultimately, even Qom’s turbaned clergymen cannot escape the rapid pace of technological advancement. Ghotbi concludes, “I’m part of this society and have to run at the same pace.” He believes that the power and opportunities offered by AI are not limited to secular society but can also benefit the religious establishment.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
