Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi, 14 September (H.S.): Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Muslim scholars and communities to develop a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, warning that falling behind in technological change could leave Muslim societies increasingly vulnerable to external influences.

According to Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency and other media reports, Anwar made the remarks at an award ceremony in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Sunday. “Without knowledge, we will fail. Without understanding artificial intelligence, we will become slaves,” he said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister made the comments after receiving the inaugural Excellence Award presented by the Sheikh Abubakr Foundation at the Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya in Karanthur.

Anwar had travelled to Kerala after attending the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi. During his address in Kozhikode, he stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between education, expertise and ethical values as Muslim societies navigate an era shaped by AI and rapidly advancing technologies.

He said religious scholars must understand the new realities and challenges of the modern world, including technological advances, scientific developments, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Anwar emphasised that Muslim communities need to acquire technological knowledge and expertise, but said technological advancement should not come at the expense of faith and moral principles.

The Malaysian Prime Minister cautioned that emerging technologies can also carry ideas and values that may undermine religious beliefs and ethical standards. He therefore stressed that Muslim societies should not merely adopt new technologies but should understand them and play an active role in shaping their development.

Anwar noted that leading figures in the global technology industry are increasingly discussing the potential risks associated with AI. However, he expressed concern that the issue has not received sufficient attention among Muslim scholars and communities.

He called for greater engagement with AI and urged Muslim societies to understand the rapid technological transformation taking place around the world. At the same time, he stressed that technological progress should remain aligned with knowledge, ethical responsibility and religious values.

The Malaysian Prime Minister was presented with the Excellence Award by Kantapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni scholar from India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar