An Islamic ethical framework for artificial intelligence and sedation in critical care: A Maqasid al-Shariah–based approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijhtc.v11i1.13040Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Islamic bioethics, Critical care, Sedation, Maqasid al-ShariaAbstract
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in critical care sedation introduces complex ethical dilemmas that intersect with Islamic bioethics. The integration of AI into intensive care sedation management has redefined how clinicians monitor, modulate, and maintain states of unconsciousness. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into intensive care units (ICUs), particularly in the modulation of sedation, profound ethical and theological questions arise, especially for Muslim patients and physicians. This paper critically examines the implications of AI-driven sedation management in critical care through the lens of Islamic bioethics. The Islamic ethical framework showed AI-driven sedation protocols address autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice through the lens of Sharia (Islamic law) and Maqasid al-Sharia (the higher objectives of Islamic law). It looks at how Islamic values like niyyah (intention), amanah (trust), and hurmat al-insan (the importance of human life) can help ensure that AI technologies used for sedation respect patients' awareness, dignity, and readiness for the end of life. Drawing from Maqasid al-Sharia, this manuscript presents a theologically grounded critique of sedation algorithms that risk depersonalising care. It proposes a beautiful framework for integrating Islamic spiritual values with emerging sedation technologies, ensuring that human dignity and divine accountability remain central in AI-assisted ICU care.
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