The AI Race

In a sleek, glass-walled laboratory in Silicon Valley, a group of engineers sits before an array of screens, watching as their AI model refines itself. Thousands of miles away, in a high-tech research facility in Beijing, another team of scientists is racing towards a similar breakthrough. The USA and China are locked in an intense battle – not one fought with weapons, but with lines of code and neural networks. The goal? AI supremacy.

But behind this race lies a deeper truth. AI is not just about innovation – it’s about power, control, and, above all, profit. In a world driven by capitalism, technology is no longer developed for the sake of human progress, but for the financial and strategic advantage it provides. And as the USA and China rush forward, ethical concerns and the well-being of ordinary people fade into the background.

Yet, history tells a different story – one where innovation was driven not by greed, but by the simple desire to benefit humanity. Long ago, Muslim inventors and scholars pioneered some of the world’s most significant technologies, not to make themselves rich but to improve the lives of people. Their legacy stands in stark contrast to today’s AI race, reminding us of a time when knowledge was pursued for a greater good.

To understand the AI race, we must first step into the heart of the world’s two largest economies. In the United States, companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are pouring billions into AI research. Their mission is clear: to develop the most powerful AI models, control the market, and generate enormous profits. Every improvement in AI promises greater efficiency, higher revenues, and new ways to monetise technology.

But while the USA’s AI industry is driven by corporate ambition, China’s approach is different. In Beijing, the government plays a central role, pushing companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu to integrate AI into every aspect of daily life. AI-powered surveillance systems scan millions of faces in crowded train stations, intelligent robots replace human workers in factories, and state-backed initiatives aim to make China the world’s AI leader by 2030.

For both nations, AI is not just about technological progress – it’s a weapon in the fight for global dominance. The USA fears losing its technological edge, while China views AI as a means of securing economic and political power. But in this ruthless pursuit of innovation, something important is being overlooked: the people.

Workers worry as automation threatens their jobs. Privacy becomes an afterthought as companies and governments collect massive amounts of personal data. Ethical concerns over bias, control, and manipulation are brushed aside. AI, instead of being used for the good of humanity, becomes a tool for profit and power.

But it wasn’t always this way. In the past, some of the most brilliant minds in history created technology for the sake of human progress rather than material gain. During the Islamic Golden Age (8^th – 14th century), scholars and inventors dedicated their lives to advancing knowledge and improving society. Many of their inventions are still in use today:

• Ibn Al-Haytham and the Camera: This 10th-century scientist’s work on optics led to the invention of the camera, forming the foundation of photography, cinematography, and modern imaging. His discoveries were not patented or monetised – they were freely shared with the world.

• Al-Khwarizmi and Algebra: The 9th-century mathematician developed algebra, a crucial part of modern computing. Today, AI relies on the very mathematical principles he introduced, yet his work was driven by a desire to expand human knowledge rather than personal wealth.

• Fatima al-Fihri and the University: In the 9th century, she established the world’s first university, promoting education as a fundamental right. Unlike modern universities that operate like businesses, her institution was founded to spread knowledge to all, regardless of wealth.

• Ahmad ibn Tulun and Hospitals: He pioneered the concept of public hospitals with free medical care, a model that influenced healthcare systems worldwide. His vision was not about financial gain but about ensuring that people received the treatment they needed.

These innovators sought knowledge for the betterment of humanity, not for power or profit. Their legacy stands as a reminder of what innovation could be when driven by noble intentions rather than corporate greed.

As we watch the AI race unfold, we must ask ourselves: where is all this leading? The USA and China may become AI superpowers, but at what cost? Will society benefit from these advancements, or will they serve only the elite few?

History has shown us another way. The Muslim inventors of the past developed knowledge for the sake of humanity, proving that technology can be a force for good rather than a tool for control. But today’s world is different. Capitalism has turned innovation into a business, where even the most groundbreaking discoveries are valued only by how much money they generate.

Perhaps it is time to pause and reflect. AI has the potential to change the world, but its purpose must be questioned. Will it be used to improve lives, as the great scholars of the past intended? Or will it remain in the hands of those who see it as nothing more than a means of increasing wealth and power?

The choice, ultimately, is ours.

Written by Waheed Abu Araiz