Overreliance on Artificial Intelligence in Malaysian Education: Ethical Implications and a Maqasid Shariah-Based Hybrid Intelligence Framework

Mohd Erfino Johari

doi:10.61688/jev.v7i1.569

Authors

Mohd Erfino Johari Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61688/jev.v7i1.569

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Governance, Ethical Risks, Islamic Empistemology, Maqasid Shariah, Educational Technology, Islamic Ethics

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed educational environments worldwide, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, intelligent tutoring, automated assessment, and data-driven decision-making. In Malaysia, the increasing adoption of AI technologies aligns with broader educational transformation agendas and the aspirations of Education 4.0. While AI presents substantial benefits for improving instructional efficiency and learner engagement, growing concerns have emerged regarding the phenomenon of AI overreliance among both students and educators. Excessive dependence on AI-generated outputs may inadvertently weaken critical thinking, cognitive autonomy, academic integrity, ethical judgment, and meaningful human interaction, thereby challenging the fundamental purposes of education. Despite extensive scholarly discussions on AI ethics and educational technology, limited attention has been given to examining AI overreliance through an Islamic ethical lens, particularly within the framework of Maqasid Shariah. This conceptual paper addresses this gap by critically synthesizing contemporary literature on AI adoption in education, AI overreliance, educational ethics, and Islamic perspectives on knowledge and human development. Drawing upon the principles of Maqasid Shariah, particularly the preservation of intellect (hifz al- ‘aql), the study proposes a Hybrid Intelligence Framework that positions AI as a complementary educational tool rather than a substitute for human agency, moral reasoning, and pedagogical leadership. The paper argues that responsible AI integration requires a balanced approach that combines technological innovation with ethical governance, human oversight, and value-based education. The proposed framework contributes to ongoing debates on AI governance by offering an alternative model that integrates contemporary educational needs with Islamic ethical principles.

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