Is The Practise of Data Science Lawful?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is being a data scientist unlawful?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
There is no inherent harm or wrongdoing in pursuing a career as a data scientist as long as the specific work is lawful and does not involve any prohibited activities or unethical practices, and Allah knows best.
Data Science
A data scientist specializes in analyzing and interpreting large and complex data sets using statistical, mathematical, and programming techniques. The role of a data scientist involves using their expertise to extract insights and knowledge from data that can be used to drive business decisions, solve problems, and develop new products and services.
Potential Benefits and Harm
Data science can be a valuable and important field, helping to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and solve complex problems in various industries.
As with any profession, however, it is vital to conduct oneself with integrity and avoid engaging in activities prohibited by Islamic law. This includes avoiding data analysis and modeling used to facilitate unlawful or unethical activities such as fraud, usury, or exploitation of individuals or communities.
Furthermore, data scientists must be mindful of their work’s ethical implications and consider how their findings may impact individuals and society. This includes ensuring that data is collected and analyzed in a manner that respects an individual’s privacy and dignity and that findings are presented transparently and accurately.
In conclusion, being a data scientist is permissible if the work is lawful and ethical. May Allah guide us all to what is correct and beneficial and protect us from harm and wrongdoing.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
