Recent Fatwas: AI in the Workplace, Quran Recitation After Al-Fatiha, and God Questioning Angels About His Servants

Al-Azhar Fatwa Authority addressed rulings on using artificial intelligence to monitor employees, repeating a surah after Al-Fatiha in prayer, and the wisdom behind God questioning the angels about His servants.

  Wed , October 22 2025 / 11:16 AM Updated At: 2025-10-22 11:16:25

The Egyptian Fatwa Authority clarified that using artificial intelligence in the workplace is permissible if it serves legitimate purposes such as task monitoring, attendance tracking, and data protection, provided it remains within legal boundaries. Using AI to invade employees’ private lives or collect unauthorized personal data is prohibited both religiously and legally.
AI is considered a tool for facilitating human affairs when used responsibly, reflecting the Quranic guidance that God has made everything in the heavens and the earth subservient to mankind. The principle in Islamic jurisprudence holds that all things are permissible unless specifically prohibited.

Regarding prayer, Sheikh Ahmed Mamdouh explained that the essential element of Quranic recitation in prayer is Al-Fatiha, while reading additional Quranic verses is recommended but not obligatory. Most scholars from the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools permit repeating the same surah in two rak‘ahs, while the Malikis consider it disliked, preferring variation. Dr. Ali Gomaa also confirmed that reciting even one verse after Al-Fatiha is valid, citing examples from past pious individuals.

Concerning God questioning angels about His servants, Sheikh Owaida Othman clarified that God does not need to ask the angels for knowledge. Rather, it demonstrates the merit of obedient servants, showing angels that some people worship God on Earth despite worldly temptations. This divine questioning highlights the station of the faithful and their perseverance in worship, as illustrated by the Prophet ﷺ: "God shows off His servants of remembrance and obedience to the angels."

Aug 23
دعاء لحفظ الأبناء

Discover the best dua for protecting children from harm, including the authentic prophetic supplication used for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, along with important Quranic verses and daily adhkar.

Aug 23
دعاء بعد الصلاة

Learn the best dua after prayer and the authentic adhkar reported from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including seeking forgiveness, glorification and asking Allah for help.

Aug 23
دعاء قبل الصلاة

The opening supplication, or Dua al-Istiftah, is a Sunnah recited after Takbirat al-Ihram and before Al-Fatihah, with several authentic forms reported from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Aug 23
المولد النبوي

Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta explains the ruling on fasting the Prophet’s Birthday and exchanging Mawlid sweets, as well as permissible ways to express joy on the occasion.