Integration of AI and Islamic Ethical Values in Learning from the Adab Concept of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas

Abstract

The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education offers new opportunities for learning while also raising concerns about academic responsibility, information accuracy, and student’s dependence on technology. In Islamic higher education, these issues require not only technological and academic considerations but also an ethical perspective grounded in Islamic educational values. This study aims to examine how students use AI in learning and to interpret their practices through the concept of adab proposed by Seikh Muhammad Naquib al-Attas. This qualitative case study was conducted at UIN Kiai Ageng Muhammad Besari, Ponorogo. Data were collected through in depth interviews with two fourth semester students in the Islamic Religious Education program and were analysed thematically to identify patterns of AI use, student’s responses to AI generated information, and their awareness of ethical risks. The findings show that students primarily use AI to understand difficult learning materials and to obtain additional information. Although AI is used relatively frequently, students do not directly use its responses in their academic assignments. They edit the information and compare it with books, articles, and other relevant sources. The findings also indicate student’s awareness of the risk of excessive dependence on AI and the need for responsible use. These practices can be understood through the concept of adab, particularly the importance of placing AI as a supporting tool rather than as a substitute for human reasoning and responsibility in acquiring knowledge. The study suggests that AI integration in Islamic higher education should combine technological competence with ethical awareness, critical verification, and responsibility. This perspective contributes to the development of an adab based approach to AI integration in Islamic education.