Islamic Scientific Heritage and Artificial Intelligence: Historical Foundations for Transformative Education

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed educational systems worldwide, creating new opportunities and challenges for teaching, learning, and knowledge production. While AI is often viewed as a product of modern technological innovation, its philosophical foundations can be enriched by examining the Islamic scientific heritage that flourished during the Islamic Golden Age. Muslim scholars developed comprehensive epistemological frameworks integrating revelation (wahy), reason ('aql), and empirical observation (tajribah), thereby establishing a holistic tradition of scientific inquiry. This article explores how Islamic scientific heritage provides historical and philosophical foundations for transformative education in the AI era. Using a qualitative library research approach, the study analyzes classical Islamic scholarship alongside contemporary literature on AI and educational transformation. The findings reveal that Islamic scientific heritage offers three essential contributions: an integrated epistemology, ethical principles governing knowledge and technology, and learner-centered educational philosophies emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and moral responsibility. These principles remain highly relevant for designing AI-enhanced education that promotes not only technological competence but also human dignity, ethical reasoning, and spiritual development. The article concludes that integrating Islamic scientific values into AI-supported education can contribute to a balanced educational model capable of preparing future generations for the challenges of the digital age while preserving ethical and cultural identity.