Principles

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Guiding principles for technology at Mu

Foundation

Technology is a tool, not a destination. It should serve human flourishing, not exploit human weakness. These principles are rooted in timeless wisdom — particularly Islamic ethics (Shariah) — but speak to universal human values.

The core idea: Technology should serve you, not exploit you.

The Five Principles

1. Intentionality (Niyyah)

Every action begins with intention. Technology should encourage intentional behavior, not mindless consumption.

In practice:

  • Before you post, ask: What is my intention here?
  • Before you send, ask: Is this message kind, true, and necessary?
  • Before you consume, ask: Will this benefit me?

How we build:

  • Features prompt reflection, not reaction
  • No infinite scroll — there’s always an end
  • No notification bombardment — you come when you want

2. Moderation (Wasatiyyah)

Islam teaches the middle path — avoiding extremes. Technology use should be balanced, not obsessive.

In practice:

  • AI summarizes to reduce screen time, not extend it
  • 10 videos → 2 minute summary
  • 50 articles → key points
  • The goal is less consumption, not more

How we build:

  • AI extracts value so you don’t have to watch/read everything
  • Clear boundaries on content
  • Time-saving is the metric, not engagement

3. Truthfulness (Sidq)

Truth is sacred. Technology should not deceive, manipulate, or obscure reality.

In practice:

  • No algorithmic manipulation
  • No rage bait or engagement tricks
  • No fake engagement metrics
  • AI admits when it doesn’t know

How we build:

  • Chronological feeds, not algorithmic sorting
  • No hidden agendas in content ranking
  • Transparency in how features work

4. Kindness (Ihsan)

Excellence in character means being kind in all interactions. Technology should facilitate kindness, not cruelty.

In practice:

  • Before sending a message, AI can hint: Is this kind?
  • Before posting publicly, consider the impact
  • Disagreement without insults

How we build:

  • AI assistance that encourages thoughtful communication
  • No anonymous pile-ons
  • Features that humanize, not dehumanize

5. Trust (Amanah)

What is entrusted to you must be protected. Your data, your attention, your time — these are trusts.

In practice:

  • Your data stays yours
  • Your attention isn’t sold to advertisers
  • Your time isn’t exploited for profit

How we build:

  • Self-hostable — your server, your data
  • No ads, no tracking
  • No selling user information

AI as a Tool

Where AI is used, it follows a simple rule: assist, don’t replace.

  • AI suggests, humans decide
  • AI helps when useful, stays out of the way otherwise
  • AI is honest — when uncertain, it says so
  • AI serves you, not advertisers

The Opposite of Addiction

Most technology is designed to maximize “engagement” — a euphemism for addiction.

We design for the opposite:

  • Finite, not infinite — Content ends
  • Intentional, not reactive — You choose when to engage
  • Summarized, not sprawling — Get the point, move on
  • Kind, not cruel — Humanizing interactions
  • Honest, not manipulative — No dark patterns

Accountability

We build in public. The code is open source. If we fail to uphold these principles, you can:

  1. See exactly how features work
  2. Fork and fix
  3. Hold us accountable

Technology should be trustworthy. That requires transparency.

These principles are aspirational. We’re building toward them, not claiming perfection. Feedback welcome.