Al-Azhar University, a prestigious institution well known globally for its deep roots in Islamic scholarship, is launching an ambitious initiative that merges modern technology with its educational legacy.
In a significant move toward modernisation, Dr Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, has announced plans to establish a faculty dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Dawood stressed that Al-Azhar aims to be a pioneering educational institution by embracing cutting-edge fields such as AI. The university hopes this endeavour will better equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and international markets. “AI has quickly become an essential tool across various sectors, and Al-Azhar University recognises the need to adopt this technology to maintain its relevance. The newly planned faculty will provide a foundation for advanced education in AI, offering students opportunities to engage with fields like machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, and big data analytics,” he stated.
Beyond technical expertise, Dr Dawood noted that the faculty will also explore the ethical dimensions of AI — an important consideration given the university’s longstanding focus on moral and religious studies.
“The faculty will set up an AI centre dedicated to preserving Islamic heritage. This centre will utilise AI-powered tools to digitise ancient manuscripts and analyse Islamic texts, making them accessible to scholars and students worldwide,” the head of Al-Azhar University said in recent remarks to the press.
Educational expert Kamal Moghith praised Al-Azhar’s decision to establish a college for AI, calling it “a crucial step for a university that prides itself on disseminating Islamic knowledge across different cultures.”
“This integration of Islamic studies and AI highlights Al-Azhar’s commitment to remaining grounded in tradition while embracing the future,” Moghith said.
He pointed out that Al-Azhar’s initiative aligns with a broader trend in global education, where many universities are incorporating AI not only as a field of study but also as a means to enhance their operations.
“AI is transforming higher education by automating administrative processes such as admissions and course scheduling, as well as personalising student learning experiences. Al-Azhar’s integration of AI into its academic framework promises to make education more efficient and aligned with the demands of the modern world,” Moghith noted.
While the establishment of this faculty holds promise, Moghith acknowledged that challenges lie ahead. He indicated that Al-Azhar will need to address issues such as recruiting skilled faculty, ensuring access to cutting-edge technologies, and managing concerns related to AI ethics and data privacy. “These challenges are not unique to Al-Azhar; universities worldwide face similar obstacles as they incorporate AI into their curricula,” he stated.
However, the opportunities are vast. “AI has the potential to revolutionise not only academic disciplines but also administrative functions within the university,” Moghith said. For example, AI can automate routine tasks such as enrollment and student assessments, allowing faculty members to concentrate more on research and mentorship. Furthermore, AI-driven personalised learning could tailor education to meet the individual needs of each student, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for all.
