The AI “Fatwa Bots” Roaming Mecca

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For the first time in history, many Muslims attending this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia will be able to harness the power of artificial intelligence to answer their inquiries on religion as the country will be introducing a smart robot to guide pilgrims on fatwas and other religious edicts.

The Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, which is responsible for the development and administration of the two holy mosques, recently announced that they will be introducing a smart guidance robot that worshippers and Hajj pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Mecca can access to get answers on questions related to religious edicts instantly.

This robot, which also offers simultaneous interpretation in multiple languages, marks the latest significant advancement seen by the Presidency and is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to integrate advanced technology for services for Hajj pilgrims. Over the years, providing answers to inquiries by worshippers and pilgrims at Islam’s two holiest sites has evolved significantly. Traditionally, seated clerics offered fatwas, or religious edicts in Islam, to seekers in person. Then, this service gradually transitioned to phone-based consultations before moving online.

The sleekly designed robot, equipped with artificial intelligence to help provide instance guidance to users on religious issues, has a 21-inch touch screen, four wheels, and a smart stop system, allowing it to move smoothly throughout the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims and worshippers can use the touch screen to access various services such as guidance, direction, and answers to religious questions.

Each smart robot will also feature high-definition front and bottom cameras for panoramic site capture, high-clarity speakers, advanced noise-canceling technologies for more precise sound capture, and a high-quality microphone for clear audio transmission. The robots will also operate using a wireless network with a 5GHz speed, which enables fast and efficient data transfer and operates in 11 languages: Arabic, English, French, Russian, Persian, Turkish, Malay, Urdu, Chinese, Hausa, and Bengali. 

“The robots roam the courtyards, performing their functions. They are particularly popular among pilgrims and Umrah performers, answering their questions about rituals and other religious matters,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said in their report regarding the new technology. 

The SPA report also said the robots were part of a broader investment in modern technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which has become a central pillar of Saudi Arabia's strategies to enhance the services provided to more than 2 million Muslims who will be congregating in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj in 2024.

“The presidency also aims to provide fatwas electronically at the holy mosques, in accordance with Islamic teachings characterized by tolerance and inclusion. The wise leadership clearly cares for the visitors to the two holy mosques, ensuring their comfort and developing smart services to help them,” the report also said.

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