Poverty eradication in the age of AI: an integrated approach from conventional and Islamic perspectives

Poverty is a natural dynamic and also an international problem which stretches across societies and geographical locations in the world. In 2015, the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal number one (SDG.1) was set out to overcome the greatest global challenge: ending poverty in all its forms. Through this Agenda and its 16 other goals, 193 member states pledged to ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies through a new global partnership. However, due to unaccomplished development goals, targets and with the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, the world is still very far from achieving SDG1. One of the challenging setbacks to alleviating poverty is the lack of multidimensional approach that combines both conventional and religious approaches to combat poverty in the world. Moreover, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) that replaces human beings with computerized machines in the field of work has raised concerns and requires a redefinition of a balanced relationship between man and AI. This study aims to propose a combined approach of conventional and Islamic perspectives that geared towards a multi-dimensional solution to poverty eradication, in addition to AI’s pros and cons on poverty alleviation, for better assessment. The article adopts a qualitative method that utilizes collecting data through contextual analysis to come up with concrete analyzed facts, information and interpretations using different varieties of sources and outlets. It concludes that both conventional and Islamic perspectives share similar approaches and platforms for alleviating poverty. The study findings suggest an integrated and authoritative approach to poverty eradication and recommend that the international community and stakeholders adopt such an inclusive mechanism for combating poverty and improving the living standards of the world’s poor population.