The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) avatars delivering Islamic teachings in Malaysia has ignited significant public debate, especially within the country’s closely monitored religious framework.
In Malaysia, where Islam is the official religion, religious teachings are strictly governed. Only certified preachers with official credentials are permitted to speak on Islamic matters, and they must adhere to interpretations approved by religious authorities.
AI Enters the Religious Sphere
Despite these regulations, new AI-powered digital preachers—most notably “AI-Dr Munir” and “AI-Dr Munirah”—have entered the public space. These avatars are designed to respond to questions on Islamic rulings and societal issues.
How the AI Was Trained
The technology behind these avatars is grounded in over 9,000 articles written by former Minister of Islamic Affairs and ex-Mufti of Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri. His body of work serves as the primary training data for the AI, which was developed using ChatGPT’s framework.
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Dr. Zulkifli clarified on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that these AI figures are not meant to replace traditional scholarship but rather serve as simplified representations of his published views. He emphasized that their content is curated to be engaging and accessible to the digital public.
Public Skepticism and Religious Concerns
However, concerns have been raised by educators and religious scholars who argue that using AI in such a capacity might compromise the sanctity of Islamic education. Traditional Islamic learning emphasizes direct human interaction, mentorship, and communal discussion—elements AI cannot replicate.
Critics worry that over-reliance on automated responses may weaken the role of qualified scholars and could lead to misinterpretations or inaccuracies in religious teachings.
Risks of Misinformation
Given Malaysia’s stringent policies against deviant or unapproved teachings, the possibility of AI-generated misinformation has become a focal point of concern. AI models, known for occasional “hallucinations,” could potentially deliver incorrect religious guidance.
Some users on X voiced their apprehensions about this issue. “What happens when these AI bots say something wrong and people take it as truth?” one user questioned. Others echoed fears that even with curated content, the avatars might unintentionally mislead the public.
The Debate Continues
As Malaysia navigates the intersection between technology and tradition, the conversation around AI in religious settings is far from over. While the initiative aims to modernize the dissemination of Islamic knowledge, many believe that strict safeguards and human oversight are crucial to preserve the authenticity and integrity of religious discourse.
Dengan penuh rasa syukur, saya ingin memperkenalkan dua watak digital baharu yang kini menyertai Maktabah Al-Bakri sebagai Pegawai Pintar Syariah (PPS): AIDr. Munir dan AIDr. Munirah
Kedua-duanya merupakan model kecerdasan buatan (AI) yang “dilahirkan” hasil kerjasama ChatGPT… pic.twitter.com/QyGnzDI1RL
— Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri (@drzul_albakri) May 29, 2025