COMPUTATIONAL HERMENEUTICS IN ISLAM: OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITS OF AI-DRIVEN SCRIPTURAL ANALYSIS
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and natural language processing has introduced computational methods into the field of religious textual studies, including Islamic scriptural analysis. Digital corpora of the Qur’an and classical tafs?r literature have enabled large-scale textual processing, yet the epistemological implications of AI-driven interpretation remain insufficiently examined. This study aims to evaluate the opportunities and structural limits of computational hermeneutics within Islamic epistemology. The research employs a qualitative interdisciplinary design combining bibliometric review, computational text analysis of selected Qur’anic passages, and comparative hermeneutical evaluation against classical exegetical works. Findings indicate that AI systems demonstrate high effectiveness in lexical mapping, thematic clustering, and intertextual detection, with strong semantic overlap at the descriptive level. Contextual depth and doctrinal sensitivity, however, remain limited due to the absence of intentional reasoning and normative prioritization within algorithmic models. The study concludes that computational hermeneutics can function as a powerful analytical assistant but cannot substitute for authoritative human interpretation grounded in Islamic hermeneutical principles. Responsible integration requires clear epistemological boundaries and structured scholarly oversight.
Full text article
References
Afdawaiza, A., Supriani, I., & Yusfiarto, R. (2025). Catalyzing Muslim women-owned Halal SMEs: Aligning models of Islamic financial institutions and governmental involvement. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102042. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102042
Akter, S., Babu, M. M., Hani, U., Sultana, S., Bandara, R., & Grant, D. (2024). Unleashing the power of artificial intelligence for climate action in industrial markets. Industrial Marketing Management, 117, 92–113. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.12.011
Alam, M. J., Noman, S., Mujib, M. N. I., & Khan, W. S. (2025). An assessment of graduates skills gap for sustainable employability during the 4IR in Bangladesh. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101780. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101780
Ben Jabeur, S., Ballouk, H., Ben Arfi, W., & Sahut, J.-M. (2023). Artificial intelligence applications in fake review detection: Bibliometric analysis and future avenues for research. Journal of Business Research, 158, 113631. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113631
Boubker, O. (2024). From chatting to self-educating: Can AI tools boost student learning outcomes? Expert Systems with Applications, 238, 121820. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2023.121820
Chen, S., Lai, J., Tian, Y., Du, X., & Jiang, X. (2025). The paradoxical effect of artificial intelligence adoption on employee objectification. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 46(5), 674–696. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-03-2024-0189
Chowdhury, S., Dey, P., Joel-Edgar, S., Bhattacharya, S., Rodriguez-Espindola, O., Abadie, A., & Truong, L. (2023). Unlocking the value of artificial intelligence in human resource management through AI capability framework. Human Resource Management Review, 33(1), 100899. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2022.100899
Clement David-Olawade, A., Wada, O. Z., Adeniji, Y. J., Aderupoko, I. V., & Olawade, D. B. (2025). Artificial intelligence readiness among healthcare students in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study assessing knowledge gaps, exposure, and adoption willingness. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 204, 106085. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.106085
Colaco, D. M., & Antao, D. (2024). Exploring self-learning efficacy: a comparative analysis of ChatGPT and Gemini. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 22(4), 688–698. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-12-2023-0251
de Vries, B. (2024). The dysgenics objection to longtermism. Futures, 162, 103417. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2024.103417
Dou, J., Chen, D., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Towards energy transition: Accessing the significance of artificial intelligence in ESG performance. Energy Economics, 146, 108515. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108515
Ferjani, I., Alzahrani, F. A., & Bouzir, N. M. (2025). Navigating Responsible AI: A Systematic Review of Governance Mechanisms and Future Co-Governance Scenarios. Procedia Computer Science, 270, 4726–4735. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.09.598
Fernando, Y., Eing, G. C., & Wahyuni-TD, I. S. (2024). Metaverse-supply chain and halal behavior: bibliometric analysis, framework and implications. Journal of Islamic Marketing, 16(4), 1174–1208. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/JIMA-07-2023-0228
Ghaemi Asl, M., Ben Jabeur, S., Nammouri, H., & Bel Hadj Miled, K. (2024). Dynamic connectedness of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and big data stocks on renewable and sustainable energy. Energy Economics, 140, 108017. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.108017
Gubareva, M., Shafiullah, M., & Teplova, T. (2025). Cross-quantile risk assessment: The interplay of crude oil, artificial intelligence, clean tech, and other markets. Energy Economics, 141, 108085. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2024.108085
Holland, C., McCarthy, A., Ferri, P., & Shapira, P. (2024). Innovation intermediaries at the convergence of digital technologies, sustainability, and governance: A case study of AI-enabled engineering biology. Technovation, 129, 102875. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102875
Islam, M. T., Hasan, M. M., Redwanuzzaman, M., & Hossain, M. K. (2024). Practices of artificial intelligence to improve the business in Bangladesh. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9, 100766. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100766
Kim, H., & Park, M. (2024). When digital celebrity talks to you: How human-like virtual influencers satisfy consumer’s experience through social presence on social media endorsements. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 76, 103581. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103581
Kim, Y., Doo, H., Shin, D., Lee, S. Y., Roh, Y., Park, S., Song, H., Jung, Y., Yoo, H. J., Han, S. S., Kim, J. W., Besenhard, M. O., Lee, Y. S., & Na, J. (2025). Self-driving laboratories with artificial intelligence: An overview of process systems engineering perspective. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 203, 109266. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2025.109266
Krupca?a, K., & Kurek, D. (2025). Developing students’ digital competences in the era of digital transformation - a European perspective. Procedia Computer Science, 270, 4304–4314. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.09.555
Kuhn, R. L. (2025). Landscape of consciousness. New Scientist, 268(3566), 36–40. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0262-4079(25)01750-6
Li, Y., Xia, Y., Sun, Z., & Sun, N. (2025). Does digital transformation affect systemic risk? Evidence from the banking sector in China. International Review of Financial Analysis, 102, 104137. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2025.104137
Liao, Y., Tang, Z., Gao, K., & Trik, M. (2024). Optimization of resources in intelligent electronic health systems based on internet of things to predict heart diseases via artificial neural network. Heliyon, 10(11), e32090. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32090
Mahmoudi-Dehaki, M., & Nasr-Esfahani, N. (2025). Automated vs. manual linguistic annotation for assessing pragmatic competence in English classes. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 4(3), 100253. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2025.100253
Maier, G. (2025). Gutenberg 2.0 ? Academic publishing in the digital world. World Development, 195, 107146. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107146
Margono, H., Saud, M., & Falahat, M. (2024). Virtual Tutor, Digital Natives and AI: Analyzing the impact of ChatGPT on academia in Indonesia. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101069. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101069
Muawanah, U., Marini, A., & Sarifah, I. (2024). The interconnection between digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and the use of E-learning applications in enhancing the sustainability of Regional Languages: Evidence from Indonesia. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101169. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101169
Naeem, M. A., Arfaoui, N., & Yarovaya, L. (2025). The contagion effect of artificial intelligence across innovative industries: From blockchain and metaverse to cleantech and beyond. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 210, 123822. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123822
Nuryana, Z., Lu, S., Ni, X., Xu, W., & Wibawa, A. P. (2025). The impact of augmented and virtual reality on sustainable education: A bibliometric analysis. Next Research, 2(4), 100999. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100999
Osinubi, T. T., Ajide, F. M., & Simatele, M. (2025). What role does digitalization play in the entrepreneurship-sustainable development nexus in Africa? Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11(1), 100500. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100500
Panduwiyasa, H., & Wibowo, F. S. (2025). Digital Psychotherapy: Technological Acceptance Model on Multi Linear Regression Analysis. Procedia Computer Science, 257, 1245–1250. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.03.167
Rahman, M. S., Bag, S., Hossain, M. A., Abdel Fattah, F. A. M., Gani, M. O., & Rana, N. P. (2023). The new wave of AI-powered luxury brands online shopping experience: The role of digital multisensory cues and customers’ engagement. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 72, 103273. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103273
Rehman, A. ur, Behera, R. K., Islam, M. S., Abbasi, F. A., & Imtiaz, A. (2024). Assessing the usage of ChatGPT on life satisfaction among higher education students: The moderating role of subjective health. Technology in Society, 78, 102655. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102655
Rufai, A. A., Hossain Khan, M. S., & Hasan, M. (2024). An exploration of pedagogical approaches in teaching artificial intelligence courses: Experience from undergraduates students of Bangladesh. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101075. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101075
Sheraz, M., Qin, Q., Mumtaz, M. Z., & Khan, M. H. (2024). Moving toward sustainable goals 7 and 13: An inclusive mechanism to achieve environmental sustainability through digitalization and energy transition in OECD countries. Journal of Environmental Management, 369, 122288. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122288
Singh, D., Sharma, A., Singh, R. K., & Rana, P. S. (2023). Artificial intelligence enabled supply chain resilience: insights from FMCG industry. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, 18(2), 414–441. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/JGOSS-02-2024-0017
Tajadod, O. E., Ravanshadnia, M., & Ghanbari, M. (2025). Integrating circular economy and life cycle assessment strategies in climate-resilient buildings: An artificial intelligence approach to enhance thermal comfort and minimize CO2 emissions in Iran. Energy, 320, 135064. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.135064
Tjebane, M. M., & Musonda, I. (2024). Artificial intelligence in healthcare facilities asset information management: mixed review. Infrastructure Asset Management, 12(2), 94–109. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1680/jinam.23.00033
Udoy, A. I., Rahaman, M. A., Islam, M. J., Rahman, A., Ali, Z., & Muhammad, G. (2024). 4SQR-Code: A 4-state QR code generation model for increasing data storing capacity in the Digital Twin framework. Journal of Advanced Research, 66, 15–30. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2023.10.006
Wang, X., Zhao, S., Xu, X., Zhang, H., & Lei, V. N.-L. (2025). AI adoption in Chinese universities: Insights, challenges, and opportunities from academic leaders. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105160. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105160
Yan, W., Cai, Z., & Yang, A. (2023). Leading the charge: The impact of executives with R&D backgrounds on corporate digital transformation. Finance Research Letters, 56, 104118. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2023.104118
Zhong, L., Li, M., & Morrison, A. M. (2025). Semiotic analysis of metaverse digital humans and cultural communication. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 16(5), 1066–1084. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-04-2024-0218
Zou, Z., Liu, X., Wang, M., & Yang, X. (2023). Insight into digital finance and fintech: A bibliometric and content analysis. Technology in Society, 73, 102221. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102221
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed Shah, Max Weber, Tungga Bhimadi Karyasa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
