The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Knowledge, wisdom and technology

Science and technology are changing how we acquire and produce knowledge. Artificial intelligence is part of this change. This article considers faith, ethics and responsibility when using these tools.

A technology’s effects depend on its design, the conditions of its use and its consequences for others, as well as the user’s intentions. We can consider together what information we use, whom it benefits and what harm we should avoid.

The themes of faith, reason and reflection in the Risale-i Nur offer a starting point for reading. The AI examples here are present-day editorial explanations, not statements by Said Nursi.

Making room for young people’s questions

Young people’s questions, experiences and hopes deserve attention. Reflection on faith, reason and ethics can leave room to learn, express doubts and make responsible decisions.

Questioning digital answers and examining their sources is part of this process. We need not accept an answer immediately: we can pause, read and speak with people we trust.

Learning and responsibility

Learning science and technology can go alongside thinking about the consequences of what we create. Caring for what is entrusted to us, keeping our word and respecting others’ rights also matter online.

These responsibilities apply to women and men alike. Access to knowledge, learning opportunities and personal circumstances differ; people should not be judged by a single measure of success or ability.

Human dignity and digital visibility

Appearance, follower counts and likes can attract attention on social media. Every person deserves respect independently of these things.

Modesty, honesty and respect for others’ privacy can guide reflection on digital life. Discussing them calls for language that does not judge people’s bodies, ages or personal worth.

Listening and talking within the family

Conversations with young people about faith and life should respect their questions, silences and different experiences. Reading together, listening without condemnation and being able to say “I don’t know” can support open conversation.

Digital habits, needs and boundaries can be discussed together. Difficulties may have several causes; they should not become a moral verdict on a child or parent.

Reflecting on faith and science

In his vision for Medresetü’z-Zehra, Said Nursi proposed an education that brings religious and natural sciences together. This integrative approach can also be adapted to professions combining different areas of expertise today and in the future: architecture with energy efficiency, law with artificial intelligence and data security, and medicine with engineering. The contemporary connection is to develop specialist knowledge alongside other disciplines and ethical responsibility.

In the Risale-i Nur, contemplating beings in relation to God’s names is a form of reflection through faith. Distinguishing a scientific finding from its religious interpretation helps us understand each in its own context.

Societies’ problems cannot be reduced to a single religious, moral or cultural failing. We aim to use language attentive to historical circumstances, opportunities and people’s different experiences.

Sincerity, service and mutual respect

The Risale-i Nur’s discussions of sincerity and mutual help invite reflection on the intentions and responsibilities of service. We can read them to examine our own conduct.

We can explain our statements with sources and remain open to criticism without representing communities or individuals. Someone’s distance or questions are not sufficient grounds to judge their intentions.

NURAYAHS offers paths into reading these sources. Our explanations are open to correction; we claim neither religious authority nor the right to assess other people’s faith.

Hope and everyday life

Material hardship, loneliness and the search for meaning take different forms in people’s lives. Speaking about faith and reflection also calls for attention to livelihoods, suffering and needs.

AI can help us obtain information; it does not take over a person’s responsibility of conscience, worship or relationships. Its answers may be wrong or incomplete.

Hope remains possible amid an uncertain future. Sincere, patient and responsible steps can support learning, mutual understanding and contributions to shared life.