A Model-based Semantic Network for Smart Representation and the Inference of Islamic Law

Abstract

Over the last few decades, knowledge representation techniques have made huge strides toward computerizing human knowledge. Modern smart engines can capture some aspects of human intelligence and process natural language texts. However, classical Islamic sciences have yet to benefit from these technological advances. This paper introduces a novel hybrid approach for smart representation and the deduction of Islamic legal rulings. An uṣūlbased structure is used to represent the various elements of rulings across a multi-dimensional semantic network. Moreover, smart deduction engines provide compact codes of fiqh rules and deduce answers to the queries relevant to these rules. Accordingly, a fully computerized system that comprises a fiqh knowledge base and smart deduction engines can be developed. This paper delineates the proposed system’s selective browsing, comparative analysis, deduction from fiqh rules, and fatwa assistance features.