Clear Questions, Reliable Answers
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly valuable for Islamic scholars, researchers, and students of knowledge. Whether you are preparing a khutbah, writing a research paper, or conducting advanced scholarly analysis, the way you frame your question plays a major role in the accuracy and authenticity of the answer you receive.
This guide presents fifteen essential principles designed specifically for Islamic scholars to ensure that the responses obtained are authentic, precise, and rooted in scholarly tradition.
Ask Clear and Specific Questions
As an Islamic scholar, avoid vague or overly general questions. Clearly state the issue you want addressed.
Example:
- Instead of: “Tell me about zakat.”
- Ask: “Explain the conditions for zakat on gold with evidence from the Quran and authentic Hadith.”
Focus on One Question at a Time
Islamic research requires depth and accuracy. Avoid combining multiple queries in one message, as this often results in incomplete or unfocused answers.
Maintain a Scholarly and Respectful Tone
Frame your questions in a manner that reflects the etiquette of a student of knowledge seeking ilm. Avoid casual language and ensure the question matches academic and Islamic scholarly standards.
Define the Academic Level of Response
Specify the expected depth of the answer, such as:
- Basic explanation for a general audience
- Material for an Islamic article or khutbah
- Research paper or academic publication
- Advanced scholarly analysis at the level of a mufassir, muhaddith, or faqih
Specify the Format of the Answer
Clearly state whether you want the answer as:
- A summarized response
- A detailed explanation in structured paragraphs
- Referenced material with subheadings and proper citations
Ask Questions Step by Step
Islamic topics can be vast and complex. Divide your questions into smaller, focused parts to ensure clarity and completeness in the responses.
Request Authentic Sources
As an Islamic scholar, ensure the response is backed by:
- Quranic verses (with surah and ayah numbers)
- Authentic Hadith (with original Arabic text and reliable reference)
- Sayings of Sahabah and Salaf
- Recognized scholarly works, classical and contemporary
Clarify Language and Terminology
Indicate whether the response should be in Arabic, English, or Urdu, and request clarification for technical or classical Islamic terms when needed.
Specify the Fiqhi Perspective
In matters of jurisprudence (fiqh) where multiple scholarly opinions exist, mention whether you need:
- A comparative, neutral answer
- A response aligned with a specific madhhab (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali, Ahl al-Hadith, etc.)
Define the Required Depth of Research
Mention whether you want:
- A brief introduction
- A detailed explanation with references
- An in-depth, scholarly analysis with evidences from multiple sources
Specify the Historical Context
For historical or fiqhi questions, indicate the time period in question (e.g., the Prophetic era, Khilafah Rashidah, classical Islamic scholarship, contemporary fiqh councils).
Request Academic Standards in Responses
As a scholar, you should expect responses that follow principles of tafsir, usul al-fiqh, hadith sciences, and established research methodologies, not just popular or general opinions.
Ask for Comparative Analysis
Where differences of opinion exist, request a balanced comparison with evidences for each view. This is crucial for a scholarly understanding of Islamic jurisprudence.
Request Original Arabic Text
For Quranic references, Hadith, or scholarly statements, ask for the exact Arabic wording along with a reliable English translation to verify the authenticity of the information.
Seek Guidance on Further Research Opportunities
Ask about classical references, existing scholarly works, and unexplored areas of study, helping you identify gaps in research and contribute unique knowledge to Islamic academia.
Conclusion
For Islamic scholars, ChatGPT can be a valuable digital assistant in research and knowledge exploration. However, the reliability of the answers depends on the precision of the questions. By following these principles, you can ensure that your inquiries lead to authentic, well-researched, and academically sound responses, aligned with the standards of Islamic scholarship.
These blog post
