Muslim youths have been challenged to step boldly into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
They have been asked to take charge of its future direction to ensure their voices and ideas shape the fast-developing field.
Speaking during a seminar on “Muslim Youth and AI Innovation” held on Sunday at Jamia Mosque Nairobi, scholars and experts stressed the importance of Muslim participation in the AI revolution.
Dr. Khaled Batarfi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Horizons, an international AI solutions company based in Addis Ababa, underscored that AI is no longer an emerging concept but a powerful tool shaping every sector of modern life.
He urged Muslim youths to engage directly in the field to ensure that as AI adoption grows, Muslim talent is represented and contributes significantly to its development.
“AI is here to stay. AI will be part of our homes, workplaces, and communities. Our youths must not be left behind but should be at the forefront of shaping how it is used and regulated,” he said.
Other speakers pointed to the ethical and cultural dimensions of AI, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that balances efficiency and productivity with human dignity and justice.
They called on Muslim youth to embrace opportunities in education, research, and entrepreneurship to harness the transformative potential of AI.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Ali from Cyprus challenged the notion that AI is too difficult to learn, noting that modern tools and platforms have made AI more accessible.
“If youths take interest, they can learn coding, machine learning, and AI applications faster than ever before,” he said.
Participants called for action from Muslim communities to create mentorship and support systems that nurture young talent and help them break barriers in the global AI industry.
They stressed that Muslim youth must seize the moment to drive AI innovation.
This will in turn contribute to reducing unemployment, solving pressing societal challenges, and significantly increasing their role in shaping the future.
