Amir Shaharuddin [Supervisor]Othman bin Abdullah2024-11-122024-11-122024-09Othman bin Abdullah. (2024). Applications and Shari’ah Committee Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in the Fiqh Ruling Process of Islamic Banking in Malaysia: Potential, Challenges and Proposed Improvements [Doctoral dissertation, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia]USIM Research Repository.https://oarep.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/24773Matric :4201026 (FEM)Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovations in financial services can be adapted to support Islamic Banking and Finance; however, the Shari’ah compliance requirements create a challenge unique to Islamic Financial Institutions (IFI). They must certify their products to ensure compliance with Shari’ah guidelines. Shari’ah committees (SC) of IFIs have to review their products in reference to Shari’ah sources of knowledge, and assess the objectives and consequences of such products. This research explores applications of AI Smart Assistants for the Fiqh ruling processes in Islamic banking, and their acceptance by the SCs of Islamic banks in Malaysia. It investigates the potential and challenges of their implementation, and aims to propose improvements for AI Smart Assistants for the Fiqh ruling process for Islamic banking. This study reviews efforts that have been made to develop AI smart assistants for the fiqh ruling process including an in-depth interview with the author of a purpose-built AI Mujtahid Assistant. This study also explores the potential of recent innovations in general purpose Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPT) for use in the Fiqh ruling process. This study employs a qualitative methodology based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. This involves focus group interviews conducted with prominent Malaysian SC members. These explore dimensions of acceptance, and the potential and challenges in the implementation. Thematic analysis is used to integrate these perspectives. Additional qualitative data was gathered in the form of technical feedback from an expert in developing AI knowledge-based systems, which informs the proposed improvements. The findings demonstrate a strongly positive desire among participants to utilize these new technologies because they will improve the quality and efficiency of their work. The benefits of collective adoption, developing a centralized knowledge base, and the promotion of industry regulation, were among the key positive findings regarding acceptance. Important insights from potential users include the need to include sources of reference, concerns over the body of knowledge, and the need to be accessible for less tech-savvy users. For policymakers, this study demonstrates broad acceptance and essential understanding, needed to justify investment in AI for the fiqh ruling process by IFIs in Malaysia; however, it also underscores a need for collaboration between institutions for effective delivery. This would include pooling resources, and cooperation in creating effective regulation. This study proposes an innovative and comprehensive model, of interest to technology solution providers and end users as well as scholars.en-USArtificial Intelligence (AI)Islamic BankingFiqh rulingAI smart assistantIslamic finance—Religious aspects—IslamMalaysiaIslamic Financial Institutions (IFI)text::thesis::doctoral thesis