Conceptual Model of Expert System Application for Halal Product Verification Using the Forward Chaining Method

Abstract

The increasing global demand for halal products requires a reliable and systematic verification process that aligns with Islamic law and industry standards. Traditional halal verification relies heavily on human experts, which may lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in decision-making. To address this challenge, this study proposes a conceptual model of an expert system application for halal product verification using the Forward Chaining method. The model aims to simulate the logical reasoning process of halal experts by transforming their knowledge into a computable rule-based framework. The proposed conceptual model consists of three primary components: a knowledge base containing halal verification rules and ingredient classifications, an inference engine employing the Forward Chaining reasoning mechanism, and a user interface that enables interaction between users and the system. The Forward Chaining approach was selected because it operates in a data-driven manner, starting from known facts and progressively deriving conclusions through rule activation. This reasoning method reflects how halal auditors work in practice, beginning from factual evidence to reach a logical decision about a product’s halal status. Results of the conceptual analysis indicate that the proposed model enhances consistency, transparency, and explainability in halal verification. Each decision can be traced through the rule chain, ensuring accountability and auditability. Furthermore, the rule-based structure supports scalability and adaptability to accommodate new halal regulations or product types. The conceptual model also lays the foundation for the development of a full-scale Halal Expert System Application (HESA) that can support digital halal certification and assurance processes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Forward Chaining-based expert systems offer a promising framework for automating halal product verification while maintaining compliance with Islamic principles. The conceptual model contributes to the growing field of Halal Informatics, providing both theoretical and practical insights into the integration of artificial intelligence with religious and ethical decision-making systems.