SPRING 2026

Islam, AI, and the Future of Humanity

Muhammad Faruque

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January 8, 2026 7:00 PM

(Local Timezone)

ONLINE COURSE

7-WEEK

TBA

LECTURES

THURSDAYS | 7.00 PM - 8.30 PM EST

TBA

FIRST CLASS

JAN 8, 2026

TBA

Description

This introductory course examines how emerging technologies are transforming our understanding of knowledge, ethics, intelligence, and the very notion of what it means to be human. By exploring the intersections of Islamic thought, the philosophy of technology, and contemporary debates on AI, the course offers a foundational framework for engaging critically and ethically with technological change. Topics include the ethical imperative to prioritize moral human development over the pursuit of moral AI, the contested possibility of AI consciousness, and the implications of viewing AI as either tools, collaborators, or reflective mirrors of human desires and limitations. We will also consider the spiritual and ethical responsibilities involved in shaping the future of AI, drawing on insights from Islamic philosophy and current scientific discourse.

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Texts

Various readings available on the Institute website

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Description and Texts

Prerequisite

This course has no prerequisites. It presupposes no prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition.
It is open to both traditional and non-traditional learners (those who do not fit the standard profile of young, full-time students who enroll directly from high school). Anyone may enroll in this course provided they are deeply interested in the topic.

Structure of Class

Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Lecture and Q&A
- Lecture: 50–60 minutes
- Q&A: 25–30 minutes
Some classes will include student activities.

Q&A Structure

Students may interact with the instructor directly by using the Zoom “Raise Hand” feature.
Students may also type their questions in the chat box.
Depending on the flow of the class, the instructor will decide whether to take questions during the lecture or at the end.

Follow-Up

Students are welcome to follow up with the instructor regarding any aspects of the class.
The instructor will respond either by email or during the next class session.

Readings

Students will be assigned readings before each class.
They are expected to complete the readings in advance to maximize their participation in class.

Outcome

In line with our educational philosophy, the Tokat courses “embrace an anthropocosmic perspective wherein one comes to actualize an awareness that integrates the rational, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of one’s being.”
In general, these courses are meant to provide students with intellectual and spiritual resources to understand and explore the intellectual dimension of Islam. Such resources are indispensable in an age marked by misinformation and shallowness, when the pursuit of authentic knowledge has become increasingly elusive.

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Schedule of Meetings & Readings

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January 8

Topic: Introduction: AI, Humanity, and Islamic Perspectives

Readings: Chaudhary, “Islam and Artificial Intelligence”

Inloes, “The Golem, the Djinni, and ChatGPT”

LeCun, Bengio, and Hinton, “Deep Learning for AI”

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January 15

Topic: Moral AI or Moral Human Beings?

Readings: Bostrom, “Ethical Issues in Advanced Artificial Intelligence”

Faruque, “Opening Pandora’s Box”

Véliz, “Moral Zombies”

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January 22

Topic: Consciousness: Islamic and Scientific Views

Readings: Faruque, Sculpting the Self, selections.

Faruque, “AI versus Human Consciousness”

Strawson, “The Consciousness Deniers”

Grève and Xiaoyue, “Can Machines Be Conscious?”

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January 29

Topic: Knowledge and Intelligence: Islamic and Scientific Views

Readings: Chomsky, “The False Promise of ChatGPT”

Gottfredson, “Mainstream Science on Intelligence”

McCarthy, “What Is Artificial Intelligence?”

Yazdi, Principles of Epistemology in Islamic Philosophy, excerpts

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February 5

Topic: AI and Human Identity: Tools, Mirrors, or Partners?

Readings: Alang, “AI Is a False God”

Fuchs, “Narcissistic Depressive Technoscience”

Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI Assistants, selected readings

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February 12

Topic: AI, Surveillance, and Human Flourishing

Readings: Zuboff, Age of Surveillance Capitalism, excerpts

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February 14

Topic: Reflections and Futures: Toward a Spiritually Responsible Technology

Readings: Faruque, “Immortality through AI?”

Faruque, “We are Not Our Brains”

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Instructor Bio

Muhammad Faruque

Islam, AI, and the Future of Humanity

Description and Texts

Instructor Bio

Classroom Location

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