The Role of ChatILM in Civic Engagement

There is no single "master recipe" for deliberative technologies to enhance communication, brainstorm ideas, and foster nuanced discussions. One model cannot serve every community equally, nor guarantee successful public deliberation.

However, as practical guidance on deliberative technology becomes increasingly sought, it is important to emphasize the unique role of faith-based technologies. Deliberation often begins with reflection on one's core values. Faith-based tools provide spaces for individuals to seek guidance for these values from authentic religious sources, encouraging reflection on critical issues from a broader moral and spiritual perspective. This article focuses on one such deliberative faith-based technology named ChatILM.ai (AI Islamic chat-bot) by IslamiCity.org to explore how it can be leveraged for democratic deliberation. Furthermore, ChatILM allows Muslim organizers to seek and quote the exact Quranic and Hadith sources to mobilize Muslim voters in their deliberative process and support recommended action strategies.

Understanding Deliberative Democracy

Deliberation is the process of exchanging arguments, considering diverse scenarios, and evaluating claims to secure the public good. Through deliberation, citizens collectively produce legitimate decisions.

In deliberation, preferences are ideally based on reason and competing arguments rather than narrow self-interest. This approach requires an exchange of information not as a contest of viewpoints, but as a process of sharing justifications and making authentic claims for decision-making.

Yet, one core principle often overlooked in this process is the capacity of citizens to critically analyze situations and reflect on their own value systems before participating. Many deliberative processes fail because citizens lack opportunities or tools to reflect on their values before engaging. It results in either exclusion of certain voices, or inclusion of personal motives, diminishing the quality and inclusivity of the overall democratic process. Existing social inequalities and political complexities further limit citizens' capacity to identify the kind of change they truly seek.

Deliberation with oneself which is a crucial first step before engaging with others starts with the person's reflection on the value system shaped by principles like justice, accountability, fairness, and empathy that further help nurtured the foundation for meaningful participation.

For 85% of the world's population, faith plays a central role in cultivating these values. Traditionally, faith was preached by the preachers who have guided communities not only in spiritual matters but also in the social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of life. Yet, in today's fast-paced world, fewer people can rely on regular in-person engagement with faith leaders. Therefore, faith-based technologies now fill this gap by offering accessible, trustworthy guidance.

ChatILM developed by IslamiCity.org, serves as a platform for the guidance of the Muslim community. It provides responses under the guidance of Quran and hadith. Upon asking the question about deliberation, ChatILM responded:

In Islamic teachings as a means of arriving at sound judgments and decisions. The Quran emphasizes the value of consultation (shura) among individuals, which is a form of deliberation. Allah says, "And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is determined by consultation among themselves" Quran 42:38.

Why ChatILM matter more than General LLMs for Deliberative Dialogue

From AI-powered chatbots delivering sermons to algorithms offering personalized spiritual resources, faith-based technology is transforming how people access and engage with their true values. This integration challenges traditional norms while opening new opportunities for democratic deliberation that is rooted in moral reflection.

Therefore, ChatILM is designed with a deep understanding of religious texts, norms, and sensitivities, which helps users avoid the misunderstandings or offense and adhere to ethical principles that general-purpose AI models can sometimes failed to do. Unlike generic LLMs, ChatILM embed moral reasoning grounded in religious traditions, ensuring that dialogue remains respectful, compassionate, and aligned with the shared values of the community. This embedded ethical framework enables user to reduce the risk of polarizing or culturally insensitive interactions while increasing trust through verified and authentic sources.

For instance, upon asking the role of person in deliberative process, ChatILM emphasized

Deliberation should be conducted with respect, patience, and sincerity. Engaging in discussions with the intention of seeking truth and understanding, rather than merely winning an argument, is essential. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to engage in discussions with good manners and to listen attentively to others' viewpoints Quran 16:125

By drawing on trusted moral authorities of the holy Prophet, it allow user to see civic responsibilities-such as public accountability, justice, and participation not as abstract political duties but as extensions of their spiritual commitments. This connection encourages a more sincere, values-driven form of participation in democratic deliberation, where individuals can be motivated not by competition or partisanship but by a sense of moral responsibility toward the common good.

Why ChatILM?

IslamiCity's ChatILM builds on GPT technology while sourcing all its responses from authenticated Qur'anic and Hadith references, provides users with same confidence in the reliability of the discourse and authenticity of its information. It serves as a spiritual guide for the Muslim community, helping users to explore their faith-based value system in a way that directly informs their civic thinking and actions. By providing instant, verifiable responses to questions on human, social, and ethical issues, ChatILM empowers individuals particularly younger generations to reflect on their moral compass by analyzing the viewpoint of all Muslim scholars.

One of its most significant contributions lies in its ability to promote respectful and informed dialogue. ChatILM models the Islamic etiquette of discussion (adab al-hiwar), discouraging offensive speech and encouraging active listening, which are essential qualities for healthy democratic debate. When no single scholarly consensus exists on an issue, ChatILM presents diverse perspectives within Islamic thought, fostering pluralism for public deliberation rather than enforcing uniformity.

If right questions asked, it has the capacity to enhance the understanding of civic duties and rights within an Islamic framework and provide users with moral imperatives found in Qur'anic and Prophetic teachings, making concepts like voting, community service, and public accountability resonate deeply with a faith-oriented audience.

For instance, upon the question on how to decide who's the best candidate ChatILM responded:

In Islam, the principle of preventing greater harm and promoting greater good is significant. If you find yourself choosing between candidates who may not fully align with your values, consider which candidate is likely to bring about the least harm or the most benefit to the community Source: Fataawa 81429.

It also helps clarify the delicate balance between personal freedoms and communal obligations, offering a lens that bridges secular democratic norms with Islamic ethical principles. For instance, ChatILM on the question of secular principles and Islamic teachings emphasized that:

"Both secular democracy and Islamic teachings emphasize justice, equality, and the welfare of the community. Identifying these common values can serve as a foundation for dialogue and deliberation. For instance, the Quran emphasizes justice: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses in justice" Quran 4:135. This aligns with democratic principles of fairness and equality"

Further ChatILM serves as a bridge for interfaith dialogue and a tool for reducing cultural misunderstandings. It explains Islamic principles in accessible, non-polemical language, making it possible to dispel stereotypes and replace suspicion with understanding. For instance, it emphasized that

"In Islam, the principle of shura (consultation) is vital for decision-making. This principle can be integrated into democratic processes by encouraging collective decision-making and public participation. As stated in the Quran, "And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is determined by consultation among themselves" Quran 42:38. This approach promotes a democratic spirit while adhering to Islamic values."

In an age where public discourse is often loud but shallow, ChatILM offers a rare space for quiet reflection before collective action. By rooting deliberation in Qur'anic principles and Prophetic ethics, it transforms civic participation from a contest of opinions into a pursuit of justice, compassion, and the common good. Faith-based technologies like ChatILM remind us that democracy flourishes not only when people speak, but when they speak from a place of moral clarity-and in doing so, they help build decisions that are wiser, fairer, and more unifying for all.

Rida Ejaz is an AI researcher at IslamiCity, currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in integrating peacebuilding expertise into AI ethics. Her continuing research interests include the intersection of technology and democracy, the use of deliberative tools for conflict resolution, and the ethical governance of artificial intelligence.