Islamic Governance and AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming central to governance, raising concerns about accountability, fairness, and long-term social impact. Brunei Darussalam, guided by the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), offers a distinctive case for reflection through its prohibition-oriented approach to drug use and trade. The study found that prohibition reflects tawḥīd and the maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, particularly the preservation of life (ḥifẓ al-nafs) and intellect (ḥifẓ al-ʿaql), yet also revealed persistent recidivism, limited shūrā (consultation and coordination), and reintegration processes that require further strengthening in the face of stigma and employment barriers. To interpret these dynamics, the chapter applies Basma Abdelgafar's (2018) Public Policy in Islam (PPI) framework, which emphasises tawḥīd, maqāṣid, shūrā, and iṣlāḥ. It argues that insights from Brunei's drug governance can inform AI regulation by framing technology as “governed infrastructure,” highlighting both opportunities for support and risks of bias or exclusion.