Can I Privately Use an AI-Generated Version of Someone’s Voice?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Is it permissible to use an AI-cloned voice of a well-known commentator privately among friends — disclosed as AI, not monetized, and not for mockery?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

I pray this finds you in the best of health and faith. May Allah reward you for your careful and sincere question. These are questions that will increasingly arise in this age of AI.

Using an AI-generated voice of a well-known commentator, in the private and respectful way you describe, is not impermissible. The conditions you mention remove the concerns that the Sacred Law seeks to prevent.

There is no deception, as everyone present knows the voice is artificial. There is no mockery or harm. The use is not public, monetized, or harmful.

Human Sanctity Covers Their Voice as Well

A person’s voice and likeness are part of their dignity and santity, and the Sacred Law protects this.

It is not permitted to use someone’s likeness to deceive, belittle, or cause harm–nor in any way they wouldn’t approve of. Sharing a light-hearted message among friends, where everyone knows what is happening, does not fall into these prohibitions.

Allah Most High says: “O believers, do not let some men ridicule others; perhaps they may be better than them.” [Quran 49:11]

Your intention is the opposite of ridicule — it is affection for the game and its voices. Intention and context are what carry an act like this, whether in sound or in speech.

Keep It Private, and Honor the Person’s Right

Permissibility remains as long as the use is private, disclosed, and respectful. If it is shared publicly, used for profit, for advertising, or becomes a means of mockery, the ruling changes.

The Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him) said, “Everything of a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim: their life, their wealth, and their honor.” [Muslim]

The scholars explain that this inviolability (hurma) encompasses all aspects of their person; and that the clause of “Muslim” is incidental (ittifaqi)–the sanctity extends to the rights of non-Muslims. [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim; Usmani, Fath al-Mulhim]

In our times, this would extend to “cloning” their voice or their appearance without their permission.

This way of good character is to seek permission even for private uses, such as the one you described, if the person can be reached. This is the higher path.

If he objects, stop. Enjoy such things with gratitude, and let your amusement be something you would be pleased to meet Allah with.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Related Answers

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Can I Use Sound Effects in Video Editing? — Shows how intention and context govern the permissibility of added audio.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.