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AI Tools Are Transforming Muslim Worship
Tarique Kazi used to recite the Quran to his mother. Kazi is a 32-year-old Houston-based Muslim and teacher of hifdh—the Islamic practice of memorizing the Quran in order to deepen faith. For Kazi, the hours he spent with his mother studying the sacred text were among his most cherished. “It was the most beautiful thing that I always looked forward to… my mom giving me feedback, telling me how I did,” he tells TIME.
TL;DR
- AI tools like Tarteel are widely used by Muslims for Quran memorization and practice, offering instant feedback and pronunciation correction.
- Imams and individuals are using AI for sermon writing and seeking religious or spiritual guidance.
- Concerns exist that mainstream AI platforms may promote Western, individualistic values and move users away from their communities.
- Egyptian religious leaders have issued a ban on using AI for Quran interpretation, emphasizing the need for traditional scholarship.
- Technologists are developing Muslim-specific AI tools and working to improve existing ones to ensure accuracy and cultural context.
- The balance between leveraging AI for faith and preserving human connection remains a key tension for many Muslim practitioners.