"Trends in the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Teaching Islamic Sciences at Al-Azhar University: A Developmental Perspective"

The aim of this research was to explore the attitudes of faculty members at Al-Azhar University towards the integration of artificial intelligence applications in teaching Islamic sciences. It sought to investigate the current state of practice, identify areas of need, define regulatory guidelines, and outline future developmental visions. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing a carefully designed comprehensive questionnaire to examine the reality of AI integration, the degree of need, the level of practice, regulatory controls, and prospective future strategies. The research sample consisted of 87 faculty members selected from various Islamic disciplines through a convenience sampling method.
 
The findings revealed significant variations in faculty members’ attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence, with statistical analyses indicating significant differences between faculties. The Faculty of Quranic Studies ranked highest in AI application, followed by the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Culture, the Faculty of Islamic Sciences (Girls), the Faculty of Islamic Sciences (Boys), and the Faculty of Shari’ah. The Faculty of Hadith and its Sciences ranked last, showing the lowest levels of application.
 
Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed across specializations, with Quranic Sciences at the forefront, followed by Aqeedah (Creed), Da’wah and Islamic Culture, Fiqh and its Principles, and Tafsir. The specialization of Hadith and its Sciences again ranked lowest, showing the least adoption of AI applications.
 
Despite acknowledging the importance of AI in enhancing the educational process, the results confirmed its limited implementation in teaching. Participants attributed this to a lack of specialized training, weak technological infrastructure, and unclear methods for effective application of these tools in the context of Islamic sciences.
 
The study also highlighted an urgent need to activate these technologies, provided that precise Sharia-compliant regulations are established to ensure their proper use in line with the objectives and principles of Islamic law. Based on these findings, the study proposed a developmental vision aimed at enhancing AI integration in the teaching of Islamic sciences through specialized training programs, updated curricula incorporating these tools effectively, and the establishment of Sharia-compliant criteria for their use. The study also recommended adopting institutional strategies that support digital transformation and foster a culture of educational innovation at Al-Azhar University.