Quran search engines: challenges and design requirements

摘要

The increase of research work in the area of Islamic Studies has introduced many new tracks of research. Thus, search engines/tools for the Holy Quran are very essential for researchers in order to locate particular verses of the Quran and their related concepts, meaning, location etc. This study intends to gather information on available Quran search engines/tools in order to setup guidelines for the minimum requirements needed in designing Quran search engines. To achieve the goal of this study, the pros and cons of available engines are discussed. Owing to the difficulties encountered in collecting information on these Quran search tools and the unavailability of technical background for Quran-related search engines, in some cases the results may not be comparable. Finally, from the surveyed Quran search engines the challenges are identified in order to aid in the design of efficient Quran related search tools.