Is it permissible to animate images of the deceased using artificial intelligence? Ali Gomaa answers
Dr. Ali Gomaa confirmed during his program "Noor Al-Din and Youth" on CBC channel that using artificial intelligence to animate images of the deceased is not forbidden in itself, provided that it does not involve slandering them or adding words or actions they did not say, as this resembles false testimony and is considered one of the major sins.
Gomaa pointed out that the technology is a legitimate means if used correctly, and that the legal ruling does not relate to the technology itself, but to how it is used and its purpose.
He explained:
"If it is merely about conveying information or an image, there is no harm in it, but the forbidden aspect arises when attributing words or actions to a person that they did not actually perform."
The former mufti warned that using this technology for mockery, making jokes, or distorting the image of the deceased turns the matter from mere technical use to slander and lies against a person who can no longer defend themselves, which contradicts moral values and legal standards.
Gomaa concluded his warning by emphasizing that official or legal use of the technology, such as creating a clip that shows the deceased as if they are recommending something or acknowledging an event that did not happen, could lead to serious consequences related to rights, property, or relationships among people, and falls into the realm of lying and forgery that harms society.
