Zetrix debuts Sharia-based AI chatbot NurAI

Malaysia’s Zetrix AI Bhd is introducing an artificial intelligence chatbot tailored for Muslims, drawing on open-source technology from China’s DeepSeek. The service, called “NurAI,” is set to launch Tuesday for Malaysian users, with plans to eventually reach the global Muslim community of about two billion people. NurAI will provide guidance rooted in Sharia, the Islamic legal framework governing everything from food preparation to financial transactions. At launch, it will be available in Malay, Indonesian, Arabic, and English, offering advice on topics ranging from dining choices to legal matters aligned with Islamic values. In the coming months, the platform will add AI-generated avatars of Islamic scholars to give personalized recommendations on lifestyle, health, and financial services. The move reflects a growing trend among technology companies to design AI systems for specific cultural and religious contexts. By incorporating Sharia principles into its responses, NurAI aims to serve as a trusted digital companion for Muslims seeking guidance in daily decision-making, while also bridging modern AI capabilities with deeply rooted traditions. Zetrix’s adoption of DeepSeek’s open-source AI know-how positions it among the latest to leverage the Chinese firm’s advances, which have recently drawn global attention for their cost efficiency and competitive performance. The collaboration also underscores how AI development is increasingly being localized to meet niche user needs rather than relying solely on broad, general-purpose models. With demand for culturally relevant AI services on the rise, NurAI’s launch highlights both the opportunities and sensitivities involved in merging advanced technology with faith-based guidance. Zetrix’s long-term vision includes expanding the chatbot’s capabilities to cover a wider range of services and geographies, potentially offering an AI-driven resource for Muslims worldwide seeking quick, reliable, and Sharia-compliant information in multiple languages.