Artificial Intelligence and Islamic Legal Reasoning Developing an Ethical Framework for AI Governance from Indonesian Usul al Fiqh Perspectives

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has generated new debates in Islamic jurisprudence, challenging established approaches to legal reasoning and religious authority while offering potential solutions to contemporary legal issues. The integration of AI into Islamic legal discourse marks a significant shift in how Muslim societies engage with emerging technologies and calls for a clear ethical framework. This study aims to formulate such a framework by examining how Indonesian usul al-fiqh can guide the responsible use of AI in legal reasoning. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes classical Islamic legal principles alongside the practices of major Indonesian fatwa institutions, including the Majelis Ulama Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama, and Muhammadiyah. The findings show that principles such as maslahah mursalah, ijtihad jama’i, and sadd al-dhara’i provide a flexible basis for addressing AI-related challenges. At the same time, the study highlights the importance of collaboration between Islamic scholars and technology experts. It concludes that AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than replace human authority, and recommends the development of Shariah-compliant regulatory frameworks that uphold justice, human dignity, and moral responsibility.