Is It Permissible to Work in AI and Computer Vision Using Images and Videos?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I plan to work in AI and computer vision, using images and videos for automation, security, and medical purposes. Given Islamic views on photography, is it permissible to develop AI with such data? If I follow a permissive scholarly opinion on this, would I be held accountable if it’s incorrect?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

It is permissible to work in AI using computer vision, including images and videos, for automation, security, and medical purposes. However, the generated content must be free from obscenity and immorality, not infringe upon copyrighted material, and comply with existing data privacy and cybercrime laws. Care must be taken to ensure that all related technologies do not compromise public security, individual privacy, or the integrity of personal data.

There are countless hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) that strictly prohibit painting pictures of animate objects, for example:

Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) forbade the keeping of pictures at home and making them.” [Tirmidhi]

Due to this and many other similar narrations, most classical scholars believe that painting and drawing pictures of humans and animals is unlawful and sinful. However, there is a difference of opinion on digital images. According to one group of scholars, they do not come under picture-making (taswir). In light of this view, they would be permissible and not included in the forbidden photography. See the detailed link below.

In summary, contemporary scholars take two main positions on this issue of digital images. Both sides include respected scholars who possess knowledge, wisdom, and piety. This matter reflects a genuine and valid difference of opinion, and it is not a situation where one can justifiably condemn the other. We must respect everyone’s right to follow their own conscience.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
– What Is the Ruling on Photographing, Filming, and Drawing Animate Life?

I pray this helps answer your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat 

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.