Artificial Intelligent's Role in Islamic Law: Bridging Islamic Civilization to Modernity Through a Shafi'i Jurisprudential Analysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Purity

Abstract

Addressing nawazil (contemporary issues) surrounding sustainable protein sources, this study examines the legal status of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) reared on organic waste within Shafi'i jurisprudence. The primary objective is to evaluate BSFL taharah purity (purity) and permissibility for animal feed while demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence (AI) functions as an assistive scholarly wasilah (instrument) in contemporary independent ijtihad (legal reasoning). Adopting a qualitative normative legal research methodology, the study synthesises foundational classical Shafi'i texts with AI-driven biochemical data processing to execute scientific tahqiq al-manat (fact-verification). The study’s principal legal conclusion establishes the halal (permissibility) of BSFL within the Shafi'i school, finding that efficient biological bioconversion achieves istihalah tammah (complete transformation), which purifies the larval biomass from impure substrates. Consequently, utilising BSFL as livestock feed is permissible, provided that istibra' (quarantine) is implemented if taghayyur (sensory alteration) occurs to negate al-jallalah (filth-eating) classification. Findings further indicate that AI cannot act as an independent mujtahid (legal reasoner) due to its lack of ahliyyah (legal capacity) and niyyah (spiritual intention) but, serves as hujjah (an essential evidentiary tool) supporting tarjih (juristic preference). This research offers a novel, scientifically grounded halal framework that reconciles traditional Shafi'i legal principles with modern technology, advancing maqasid al-shari'ah (preservation of life and wealth) and contributing directly to global food security and environmental sustainability.