Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Islam: Active Inference

In Part 1 of Artificial Intelligence and Islam: Computer Fundamentals, we learned how computers work through three basic stages: Input, Processing, and Output.

We also explored how scientists and engineers take inspiration from the human body and nature to develop modern technologies, drawing inspiration from what Muslims recognize as the extraordinary creation of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Now, in Part 2, we will understand what Active Inference is in Artificial Intelligence and how it relates to the remarkable abilities Allah has given the human brain.

What Is Active Inference in Artificial Intelligence?

Imagine an AI robot that has information about different objects and animals stored in its system.

When the robot sees a cow, its camera captures the image, and the AI compares it with its existing knowledge. If the information matches, it recognizes the animal as a cow.

If the robot is unsure, it can gather more information and update its understanding.

This illustrates the basic idea of Active Inference: using existing knowledge, new information, and predictions to understand the environment, make decisions, and produce an output.

But long before AI existed, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala had already blessed human beings with the ability to see, learn, remember, think, and make decisions.

How Does the Human Brain Work?

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has blessed us with eyes to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, a tongue to taste, skin to feel, and a brain to understand information.

When we are born, we do not know the names of animals, objects, or people. Gradually, we learn about the world through our senses and experiences, and this knowledge becomes part of our memory.

For example, when you see a cow, your eyes send visual information to your brain. Your brain processes the information, connects it with your previous knowledge and memories, generates thoughts, makes decisions, and produces a response (output).

If you already know what a cow looks like, you may recognize it and say, “Yes, this is a cow.”

But if you have never seen a cow before, you can observe it, ask someone about it, and learn its name. The next time you see one, you may recognize it.

This ability to receive information, learn from experience, develop thoughts, and make decisions is one of the remarkable blessings Allah has given us.

Scientists study similar processes of perception, learning, and decision-making when developing theories and technologies such as Active Inference.

What Does the Quran Say About Human Intelligence?

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says in Surah An-Nahl (16:78):

وَاللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّن بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

“And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing”

Surah An-Nahl (16:78): https://quran.com/16/78?translations=20

This verse reminds us that Allah has granted us hearing, sight, and understanding so that we may be grateful.

The Quran also encourages us to observe the world and reflect upon the signs of Allah’s creation.

In Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:190), Allah says:

إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”

Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:190): https://quran.com/3/190?translations=20

Look at the sun, moon, mountains, oceans, and countless living creatures. The Quran invites us to reflect upon these wonders and recognize the greatness of our Creator.

Allah also asks in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:13):

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?”

Surah Ar-Rahman (55:13): https://quran.com/55/13?translations=20

Artificial Intelligence and the Power of Allah

Today, AI can recognize images, process language, learn patterns, and make predictions. Scientists continue studying biological intelligence to understand how perception and decisions work.

But human knowledge remains limited.

Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Isra (17:85):

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

“And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little.”

Surah Al-Isra (17:85): https://quran.com/17/85?translations=20

We continue discovering new things about the universe, the human brain, and the natural world.

From an Islamic perspective, science helps us understand aspects of Allah’s creation, while His knowledge extends beyond everything humanity has discovered.

Why Did Allah Create Us?

Allah explains the purpose of our existence in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56):

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56): https://quran.com/51/56?translations=20

Allah has blessed us with intelligence and the ability to seek knowledge, work, and develop technology. But we should never forget our purpose: to worship Him, perform Salah, and remain grateful.

We should also trust Allah while making sincere efforts to earn our livelihood.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that if we relied upon Allah as we should, He would provide for us as He provides for birds that leave hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.

Hadith Reference: https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2344

The birds still go out searching for food. Similarly, we should work responsibly while trusting Allah for our provision.

Conclusion

Active Inference helps scientists study how intelligence uses information, predictions, and experience to guide decisions.

The human brain demonstrates remarkable abilities to observe, learn, remember, develop thoughts, make decisions, and produce responses.

From an Islamic perspective, these abilities are blessings from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

The more we learn about creation, the more opportunities we have to reflect upon the greatness of our Creator.

Let us use our intelligence to seek beneficial knowledge, remember Allah, perform our Salah, and remain grateful for His countless blessings.

Alhamdulillah for everything Allah has given us.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is Active Inference in Artificial Intelligence?

Active Inference is a scientific framework that explains how AI agents can use existing knowledge, new information, and predictions to understand their environment and make decisions.

How Is Active Inference Inspired by the Human Brain?

The human brain processes information through our senses, connects it with previous knowledge and memories, develops thoughts, and produces responses. Scientists study these abilities to understand intelligence and develop computational models.

What Does Islam Teach Us About Human Intelligence?

Islam teaches that hearing, sight, and understanding are blessings from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. The Quran encourages us to reflect upon His creation and remain grateful for these extraordinary abilities (Surah An-Nahl 16:78).