Design science research in developing a religious chatbot based on Bulugh al-Maram

Abstract

Chatbots have recently gained significant popularity. For instance, ChatGPT has become a preferred tool for many individuals seeking instant answers without relying on human responses. This immediacy sets chatbots apart from books, which require users to search for information manually. This time-consuming process does not align with millennials' preference for convenience and efficiency. Studying hadith independently using the Bulugh al-Maram book demands considerable time and effort. The limited use of natural language processing technologies in religious chatbots restricts their ability to handle complex inquiries effectively. A chatbot capable of answering hadith-related questions could greatly assist the public in studying hadith texts by providing direct responses without extensive searching. This chatbot was designed for web browsers, utilizing deep learning as its core technology. This research led to the development of a chatbot prototype for learning hadith from Bulugh al-Maram. Built using the design science research (DSR) methodology, the prototype achieves an intent recognition rate (IRR) of 86.82%. However, its capabilities are below the BERT model, demonstrating a strong ability to accurately interpret user questions and statements.