UAE’s Government-Mandated Friday Sermons Promote AI While Raising Religious Control Concerns

A controversial nationwide government-produced Friday sermon recently delivered across the United Arab Emirates has sparked debate about religious freedom and the promotion of technology in Islamic contexts. The sermon, titled “The Blessing of Artificial Intelligence,” represents the latest example of how the UAE government exercises tight control over religious messaging in the country.

For years, the UAE Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf has required all imams to deliver government-scripted sermons verbatim during Friday prayers. Imams are expected to memorize the entire text without deviation, with authorities justifying this practice as necessary to prevent extremism. While government oversight of religious messaging is common in Gulf states, critics argue the UAE’s approach represents an unusually stringent level of control.

The recent sermon focused entirely on artificial intelligence, portraying it as a divine blessing and technological marvel. “No invention ever illuminated the world, nor any discovery ever benefited humanity, except that behind it stood a keen mind and a brilliant intellect. And from this enlightened human mind, and its penetrating thought, artificial intelligence emerged,” read part of the sermon.

Religious scholars and observers have raised concerns about the sermon’s uncritical embrace of technology without addressing potential ethical, social, or spiritual challenges posed by AI. Critics point out that traditional Islamic teachings often emphasize simplicity, caution regarding worldly comforts, and spiritual focus – perspectives largely absent from the government’s narrative.

“While the sermon briefly mentions that AI shouldn’t lead to ‘neglect or laziness,’ it fails to engage meaningfully with genuine concerns about privacy, surveillance, job displacement, or cultural impacts,” said Dr. Ibrahim Najjar, professor of Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University, who reviewed the sermon text. “Traditional Islamic discourse would typically include moral and ethical dimensions when discussing new technologies.”

The timing of this sermon coincides with major investments by the UAE in artificial intelligence. The nation has committed billions to AI development through partnerships with American tech companies, positioning itself as a regional leader in emerging technologies. The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, the world’s first graduate-level AI university, exemplifies the country’s technological ambitions.

Critics suggest the sermon represents an attempt to create religious legitimacy for these economic and political priorities. Human rights organizations have previously expressed concerns about how advanced surveillance technologies might be deployed in countries with limited civil liberties.

The UAE’s approach to religious messaging has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch has previously documented how government control of religious discourse can restrict freedom of expression and legitimate religious diversity.

“When governments dictate religious content, they often prioritize political compliance over theological integrity,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, former Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “Religious leaders should be free to address moral and ethical questions independently, especially regarding new technologies that raise complex societal questions.”

Religious scholars note that Islamic tradition contains diverse perspectives on technology and material progress. Historical Islamic figures often advocated for simplicity and moderation in worldly affairs, even while celebrating intellectual advancement. The Prophet Muhammad and his companions are frequently cited in Islamic texts as practicing restraint regarding comfort and luxury.

The UAE’s religious authorities defend their approach, arguing that standardized sermons promote religious moderation and prevent extremist messaging. Government spokespeople have repeatedly stated that their religious policies aim to foster social harmony and stability.

As AI technologies continue their rapid development, the relationship between religious tradition and technological progress remains a complex question in many societies. The UAE’s approach – using religious platforms to promote technological adoption while maintaining tight control over religious messaging – represents one model that will likely continue to generate both support and criticism.