In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, including the world of writing. For Muslim creatives, AI tools like ChatGPT and others, present both an exciting opportunity and a source of ethical questions. How does AI align with our faith? Where do we draw the line between assistance and over-reliance?

As a Muslim writer working on a trilogy, I’ve grappled with these questions while striving to maintain sincerity (ikhlas) and originality in my work. Islam teaches us that knowledge and creativity are divine gifts from Allah (SWT), and as writers, we must use these blessings responsibly.

In this article, I’ll explore the ethical implications of AI in writing from an Islamic perspective, sharing my personal experiences and offering guidance on how Muslim writers can navigate this tool while staying true to their faith.

The AI Dilemma: A Reflection

The turning point in my AI journey came when a beta reader asked, “How do you use AI in writing?” — I had shared that I use AI for brainstorming, character sketches, generating name suggestions, scene our outline analyses and even world-building, but I hadn’t considered whether this was seen as “writing” in the traditional sense.

The beta reader seemed to not be satisfied with my answer and rephrased the question, “How do you use AI to write a book?” — it finally dawned on me what they meant.

The question made me reflect deeply: Could AI ever replace the human soul in storytelling? People today even make animated cartoons using AI. Could I really use AI to write an entire trilogy, let alone a book?

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “And He taught Adam the names of all things.” (Quran 2:31)

This verse reminds us that human intellect and creativity are divine gifts. While AI can mimic patterns, it lacks true understanding, wisdom, and the spiritual depth that comes from lived experience.

As someone with an IT background, I understood the limitations of AI.

Even as a writer, crafting a full narrative that conveys deep human experiences and emotions is challenging. AI can mimic, but it can’t create the essence of human experience, which is something only a true writer can deliver. This conversation made me pause and reflect on how AI would be perceived, especially by those who are not deeply immersed in any creative process.

AI’s Role in Fiction Writing: The Ethical Line

When navigating the use of AI in writing, especially for fiction, there are several ethical considerations Muslim writers must keep in mind. What is the balance between using AI for support and relying too heavily on it?

• AI as a Tool, Not a CrutchAs Muslims, we believe that creativity and knowledge come from Allah (SWT). Our role as writers is to reflect the beauty of His creation and convey human experiences that align with our values. Islam encourages seeking knowledge and using tools to enhance productivity—but never at the expense of sincerity.
  

  The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah loves when one of you does a task, he does it with excellence (itqan).” (Hadith, Bayhaqi)

  AI, in this context, should be viewed as a tool—an aid to enhance our creativity, not a substitute for our unique perspective. The process of writing should still be deeply rooted in the human experience, driven by our emotions, intellect, and values. AI can assist in: Brainstorming plot ideas, Generating character names, World-building details. However, the ruh (soul) of the story—its emotions, moral dilemmas, and Islamic values—must come from the writer’s heart.

• Intention (Niyyah) Matters Most 

  AI can offer suggestions, ideas, and even mimic writing styles. But AI cannot embody the same depth, intuition, or soul that a human writer does. The niyyah (intention) behind our work is crucial.

  As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be recompensed according to what they intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)

  If our intention is to use AI as a helper while maintaining originality, then it can be permissible (mubah). But if we rely on AI to the point of laziness or imitation (tashabbuh), we risk compromising our creativity—a gift from Allah.

  In Islam, originality is highly valued, and we must avoid relying too much on AI’s pre-programmed patterns or suggestions that could inadvertently lead to imitation rather than true creation.

• Avoiding Plagiarism and Misrepresentation 

  One of the biggest concerns with AI in writing is the potential for plagiarism. While AI can generate text based on patterns, it may also unintentionally use fragments of existing material without proper attribution.It is crucial for Muslim writers to maintain integrity in their work.

  The Prophet (PBUH) warned: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abu Dawood)

  Therefore Muslim writers must:

  • Verify AI-generated content for originality,
  • Ensure their work reflects their own voice and value,
  • Avoid blind reliance on AI’s suggestions.We must be vigilant in ensuring that our work is original and free from any form of intellectual theft. If AI is used to assist in generating ideas, names, or character sketches, these should still be shaped by our unique voice and vision, reflecting the values we hold dear.
• AI and Human Creativity: The Balance of Control 

  The key to using AI ethically lies in the balance between control and contribution. AI can help with brainstorming, plotting, and world-building, but it should never be the sole creator of your work. The ruh (soul) of the narrative—the emotions, moral dilemmas, and themes—must come from the writer.

AI and Plagiarism Detection: Flaws in the System

One of the surprising things I encountered in my AI journey was the flaws in plagiarism detection tools. When I tested a poem I had written in 2008 (long before AI was widely accessible), it was flagged as AI-generated.

This opened a new realm of questions about authenticity and integrity. What happens when a writer’s natural flow, metaphors, and poetic style mirror the patterns often associated with AI-generated content?

Ultimately, this underscores the limitations of current AI detectors and the potential for misunderstanding. As Muslim writers, we must be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our work and ensuring that our creativity is not unduly penalized by flawed systems. Additionally, we must remember that plagiarism is a serious ethical violation in Islam.

The reinforced critical lesson: Technology is fallible, but our integrity as Muslim writers must remain steadfast.

The Perks of Using AI for Fiction Writers in General

While there are ethical concerns, there are also several ways that AI can enhance the writing process. Here are some of the benefits Muslim writers can explore, tried and tested by yours truly:

• World-Building and Universe Creation
  AI can be a fantastic assistant in creating rich, immersive worlds, especially for speculative fiction and fantasy. With detailed prompts, AI can help generate entire landscapes, cultures, and histories that add depth to your fictional universe. AI has helped me develop places, cities, and historical contexts that I would have otherwise struggled to flesh out on my own.
• Character Names and Place Suggestions
  Coming up with unique, culturally appropriate names for characters and places can be time-consuming. AI can offer name suggestions that reflect specific linguistic and cultural contexts, ensuring that your story feels authentic. This feature is particularly helpful in stories with a diverse range of characters and settings.
• Writing Exercises and Creative Games
  AI can also serve as a partner for creative exercises, such as:
  • Roleplay Scenarios: Engage in interactive storytelling with AI, testing out different scenarios and character reactions.
  • Poetry or Imagined Letter Exchanges: Create poetic dialogues or letters between characters, helping you explore relationships or convey complex emotions.
  • Prompt-Based Writing Challenges: Let AI offer quirky prompts that stretch your creativity, like writing a scene where a character must make a difficult decision under pressure.
  • Collaborative Storytelling: Take turns with AI in telling a story, with each of you adding to the narrative, which can provide fresh perspectives on plot development.
• Plot Development Assistance
  AI can be a valuable brainstorming partner when you’re stuck. It can suggest plot twists, new conflicts, or creative resolutions to push the story forward. While the emotional weight of the narrative still comes from you, AI can help uncover fresh ways to explore your characters’ journeys.
• Voice Mimicry (To an Extent)
  AI can help maintain consistency in character voices or mimic certain writing styles. This can be particularly useful for long-term projects, where keeping track of nuances and character consistency can be challenging. However, be mindful that the ruh of your characters must always be shaped by your own hand.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Writing with AI

As Muslim writers, we must use AI responsibly and in alignment with our values.

The key is to maintain control over the creative process, ensuring that AI enhances our storytelling rather than replacing the deep, human insights that make our work unique. With the right balance, AI can be an invaluable tool in our writing journey, but we must always remember that the soul of our work comes from Allah (SWT) and that our creativity is a reflection of His gift to us.

Allah (SWT) warns: “Do not follow what you have no knowledge of. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—all of these will be questioned.” (Quran 17:36)

As Muslim writers, we must strike a balance—embracing beneficial tools while safeguarding our creative integrity. AI can be a useful aid, but it must never replace the divine spark of human imagination. By using AI ethically, we can embrace the opportunities it provides while staying true to our craft and our faith. Ultimately, our writing should be a testament to the power of human creativity and the guidance of Allah.

Let us remember the words of the Prophet (PBUH): “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.” (Muslim)

May our writing always reflect truth, beauty, and the timeless wisdom of Islam—whether penned by our hands or guided by ethical technology.