Islamic eschatology, the study of the end times as described in religious texts, presents a unique and often stark vision of the future, one that frequently diverges from the technologically advanced societies envisioned in secular predictions. Within this framework, a recurring theme is the decline of modern technology and a return to simpler, more fundamental ways of life, culminating in a world where artificial intelligence ceases to exist and warfare reverts to methods reminiscent of medieval times, utilizing swords, armor, horses, and shields.
The cessation of AI and other advanced technologies in Islamic eschatology is often understood as a divinely orchestrated dismantling of the systems that have distanced humanity from its spiritual core and fostered a sense of self-sufficiency apart from God. The proliferation of complex machinery, including AI, is seen by some interpretations as part of a period of increasing materialism and moral decay that precedes the final events. As the world approaches its end, there is a belief that the intricate infrastructure supporting modern technology will collapse, whether through natural disasters, widespread conflict, or a spiritual purification that renders such advancements obsolete or undesirable. AI, as a pinnacle of human technological ambition, would naturally be among the first casualties of such a systemic breakdown, losing its power source, its data networks, and the very societal structures that enable its existence.
This technological regression is not merely an incidental outcome but a purposeful return to a more natural and spiritually aligned state. The reliance on advanced tools is replaced by a renewed emphasis on human resilience, faith, and direct engagement with the physical world. In this context, the return to medieval methods of warfare—with swords, armor, horses, and shields—is particularly symbolic. It signifies the absence of sophisticated weaponry like firearms, missiles, and drones, which depend on complex manufacturing, supply chains, and energy grids that would no longer be operational.
Furthermore, this shift in warfare reflects a change in the nature of conflict itself. Without the dehumanizing distance afforded by modern technology, battles become intensely personal, relying on individual strength, skill, and courage. The use of horses, swords, and shields evokes a time when combat was more direct and physically demanding, perhaps serving as a crucible for the purification of souls or a test of genuine faith. It suggests a stripping away of all superficiality, leaving only the raw essence of human confrontation and spiritual conviction. This return to traditional methods is not merely a practical necessity due to technological collapse but also a symbolic act, emphasizing a return to a more fundamental, perhaps even divinely sanctioned, form of engagement in the final battles.
Islamic eschatology posits a future where AI and advanced technology disappear, and warfare reverts to medieval forms, not as a random twist of fate, but as an integral part of a profound spiritual and societal transformation. This vision underscores a deep-seated belief in the transient nature of material advancements and the ultimate triumph of divine will, leading humanity back to a state of greater simplicity, spiritual clarity, and direct engagement with existence.