E-Prosiding Persidangan Serantau Manasik Haji 2025 (MANASIK2025)

MANASIK2025 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-8 Oktober 2025 646 GENERATIVE AI-INTEGRATED CHATBOT FOR EFFECTIVE HAJJ AND UMRAH LEARNING AND SUPPORT 1 Nurzi Juana Mohd Zaizi*, 2 Azuan Ahmad, 3 Nurul Fathihin Mohd Noor Shah, 4 Mohd Ilias M Shuhud 5 , Muhammad Najib Abdullah 1,2,3,4 Fakulti Sains & Teknologi, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM); 5 Fakulti Syariah & Undang- Undang, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), 71800 Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia Emel : 1 njuana@usim.edu.my, ABSTRACT Hajj and Umrah are important acts of worship that require pilgrims to perform many steps correctly. However, many people, especially first-time pilgrims, face challenges in remembering the rituals and understanding the different rulings. Existing mobile applications and guides often provide static information but lack real-time support and adaptability to the changing needs of pilgrims. To address this gap, this study proposes a Generative AI – integrated chatbot designed to support pilgrims in learning and performing Hajj and Umrah. The chatbot combines a structured knowledge base, built from Muzakarah- Approved Hajj and Umrah Guidelines, with a Large Language Model (LLM) to ensure that answers are accurate, reliable and human-like. Pilgrims can interact with the system by typing or speaking, and the chatbot provides clear explanations, step-by-step guides, and scenario- based support. The system is developed using a Design and Development Research (DDR) approach consisting of four phases: (1) Needs Analysis, (2) Chatbot Design and Development, (3) Prototype Implementation, and (4) Evaluation. This paper presents preliminary findings and expected outcomes. Early analysis suggests that the system can improve accessibility, enhance learning and reduce confusion during the pilgrimage. The chatbot is expected to help pilgrims prepare before their journey while also offering guidance during the rituals. Future work will involve testing the prototype with real users, refining the system based on feedback and integrating advanced features such as voice support. Overall, the proposed chatbot has strong potential to serve as a trusted companion for Hajj and Umrah, offering real-time, Shariah-compliant support. By combining modern AI tools with authentic religious knowledge, it aims to make the pilgrimage experience easier, more meaningful, and more focused on worship. Keywords: Generative AI, Chatbot, Hajj, Umrah, Pilgrim Learning Support INTRODUCTION Hajj and Umrah are acts of worship that are both physically and mentally challenging. Pilgrims are required to prepare themselves by learning and remembering many ritual steps, such as the order of Tawaf, Sa’i, and other obligations. They must also follow specific rules at different holy places, keep track of certain times for rituals and prayers, and understand that there are different opinions among Islamic schools of thought. For many pilgrims, especially first-time travellers, this can feel overwhelming and sometimes confusing. Generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) have grown rapidly. In the past, chatbots were simple and rule-based, giving only fixed answers. These systems have now evolved into sophisticated platforms capable of functioning as personalized tutors. These modern AI chatbots are able to hold meaningful conversations, adapt to the cont ext of the user’s question, and provide answers that feel more natural and human-like. This makes them especially useful for education and