Muhammadiyah Proposes Progressive Islam as an Ethical Response to AI Challenges

TIMESINDONESIA, MALAYSIA – The global academic discourse on Islam has been enriched by a fresh perspective from Muhammadiyah. 

At the International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Islamic Studies and Management 2025 (5th ICICM 2025), held at Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin International Islamic University (UniSIRAJ), Perlis, Indonesian delegate Mamdukh Budiman, a PhD candidate, presented the idea that Risalah Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) can serve as an ethical framework to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

Mamdukh Budiman, a lecturer at Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS) and a doctoral student in Islamic Studies at Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM) Perlis, Malaysia, emphasised that AI is not merely a technical issue. It carries moral and humanitarian dimensions which, if neglected, could lead to injustice, social inequality, and even dehumanisation.

“AI is not neutral. It is laden with moral implications. Therefore, it must be guided by values. Progressive Islam offers a framework to ensure that technological innovation remains committed to human welfare and the sustainability of life,” he explained during his presentation.

He further noted that Progressive Islam underscores ijtihad, rationality, social justice, and moral responsibility—principles highly relevant for shaping a moderate, Islamic approach to AI ethics. With its strong reformist tradition, Muhammadiyah is well-positioned to lead a global ethical discourse that is both Islamic and open to dialogue with the wider international community.

The organisers, the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UniSIRAJ, stated that the conference serves as a platform for local and international scholars to explore the role of AI within contemporary Islamic and management contexts.

“This forum is designed to strengthen academic excellence through the exchange of ideas. Its objectives include examining the impact of AI on understanding and applying the Sunnah, addressing ethical issues in AI technology, and exploring innovative approaches to enhance teaching and learning in Islamic Studies and Management,” said a representative of the ICICM 2025 committee.

The inclusion of Muhammadiyah’s perspective was regarded as a significant Southeast Asian contribution to the global debate. Several participants observed that Budiman’s argument offers an ethical alternative capable of balancing technological innovation with spiritual values.

“What Muhammadiyah has presented is highly significant. It is not merely resistance, but a practical solution that can be translated into technological policy,” remarked one academic.

Mamdukh Budiman’s participation not only reinforced Muhammadiyah’s presence on the international stage but also demonstrated that Progressive Islam can be advanced as a serious ethical framework for navigating the challenges of AI and future technologies. (*)