Is Replacing Live Animal Trials With AI Preferable in Islam?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

What is the ruling on applying AI-simulated rat experiment findings to humans, and is it preferable to use such simulations instead of real laboratory rats if they can replace them?

Answer

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

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

The general principle in Sacred Law is that causing harm to animals without a genuine need is impermissible. Allah Most High says: “He who created for you all of that which is on the earth.” [Quran, 2:29]

Please view this related answer about testing on animals.

Animal experimentation is only justified when there is a pressing necessity, such as advancing medicine or safeguarding human life, where no reasonable alternative exists. If reliable AI-simulated experiments can replicate the findings and provide the necessary data, they should be preferred. This would reduce unnecessary animal harm and align with the Islamic prevention principle (dar’ al-mafasid).

Practical Guidance

• If AI simulations are scientifically validated and sufficiently accurate, they should be adopted instead of real animal testing.
• If simulations are not yet fully reliable, limited animal testing may be permissible, but only to the extent of necessity and under controlled conditions.
• The ethical goal remains minimizing harm to all creatures while pursuing benefits for humanity.

May Allah guide our use of science and technology to what is most beneficial, merciful, and just.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.