Artificial Intelligence Can Provide Information, but Not Knowledge: Dr. Hassan Qadri

Knowledge Enables Human Beings to Distinguish Between Good and Evil, Truth and Falsehood True Knowledge Refines a Person's Intellect, Character, and Personality
Chairman of Minhaj-ul-Quran Supreme Council Addresses Al-Minhaj Institute London's Graduation and Awards Ceremony

Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Professor Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, has said that the true fruit of knowledge is devotion to Allah, service to humanity, and adherence to the exemplary character (Uswa Hasanah) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He stated that a genuine scholar is one who feels the pain and suffering of others and guides society through exemplary character, effective communication, and sincere goodwill.

Speaking at the Graduation and Awards Ceremony of Al-Minhaj Institute London, Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri observed that in the modern age, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Google, digital encyclopedias, and social media are undoubtedly effective tools for accessing information. However, they are neither sources of true knowledge nor substitutes for qualified scholars. Information enriches the human mind, whereas knowledge transforms the inner self, intellect, character, morals, and conduct. True knowledge enables a person to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and right and wrong, ultimately leading to the recognition of Allah.

Explaining a verse from Surah Aal-e-Imran, he said that Allah Almighty, while bearing witness to His own Oneness, also included the angels and the people of knowledge as witnesses. However, the defining characteristic of those endowed with knowledge is that they uphold justice and fairness. He emphasized that the true hallmark of knowledge is integrity, justice, moderation, and humility.

Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri further stated that genuine people of knowledge always consider themselves lifelong students. The greater a person's knowledge, the greater their humility, patience, and consciousness of Allah. He stressed that the purpose of acquiring knowledge is not fame, status, or superiority over others, but rather to dedicate one's abilities to seeking the pleasure of Allah and serving humanity.

Referring to the renowned classical scholar Imam Raghib al-Isfahani, he quoted: "Knowledge is to know a thing according to its true reality." He said that such understanding leads a person towards the fear of Allah (taqwa), piety, and noble character.

Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri also announced that his forthcoming book on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence will be published soon. The book explores the responsible use of AI, its ethical dimensions, and the moral responsibilities that accompany this transformative technology.

During his address, he outlined ten important stages in the journey of knowledge: education (ta'leem), learning (ta'allum), teaching (tadrees), scholarly discussion (mudarasah), revision and study (tadrim), academic verification (takhreej), graduation (takharruj), etiquette (adab), spiritual insight (ma'rifah), and finally the ability to say "I do not know" (La Adri). He remarked that the highest stage of knowledge is the humility to acknowledge one's limitations by saying, "I do not know." Such humility, he said, inspires further research, inquiry, and deeper understanding.

The ceremony was attended by Allama Muhammad Zeeshan, Director of Al-Minhaj Institute London; Allama Sadiq Qureshi, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK; Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari, Allama Abdul Rasool, Hafiz Saad Farooq, Daud Mahmood, Ustad Hassan Raza, Shahid Iqbal, Waqas Hussain, Dr. Irfan Zahoor, Faisal Najeeb, Zarwesha Rasool, along with faculty members, graduates, parents, and a large number of distinguished guests from various walks of life.