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Foundations of Algorithmic Decision Making: The Five Regions of Decision Complexity

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The second part of our series on Foundations of Algorithmic Decision Making continues with the Five Regions of Decision Complexity—a framework to help map uncertainty to the right decision-making approach. Foundations of Algorithmic Decision Making: The Five Regions of Decision Complexity We make decisions all the time, but not all decisions are alike. Consider the following situations: Reasoning: About uncertainty and objectives at a single point in time. Sequential: Making a sequence of decisions while observing outcomes as we proceed. Learning: Acting in an environment where the model is unknown and must be learned through interaction. Imperfect Information: Where the full state of the environment is not observable. Multi-Agent: Making decisions in environments shared with multiple a...
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Quran Page 26: Divine Laws and the Danger of Blind Following (Surah Al-Baqarah 170-176)

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📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 26) In Page 26 , Allah (SWT) criticizes those who refuse to use their intellect and instead cling to the traditions of their forefathers even when they lack guidance. The page clearly defines Prohibited (Haram) foods —dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which is sacrificed to others besides Allah. It also speaks of the severe consequences for those who conceal the Scripture to attain temporary worldly benefits. 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 26) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 170. And when it is said to them, "Follow what Allah has revealed," they say, "Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing." Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided? 172. O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship. 173. He has only forbidden to you dead anima...
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Quran Page 25: Signs in Creation, Love for Allah and the Warning Against Satan (Surah Al-Baqarah 164-169)

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📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 25) In Page 25 , Allah (SWT) directs our attention to the universe. Verse 164 is a magnificent list of natural wonders—the alternation of night and day, the sailing ships, the rain that gives life to the earth, and the movement of the winds—all serving as signs for people of understanding. The page then warns that while some take rivals besides Allah, the believers are "strongest in love for Allah." It concludes with a stern warning not to follow the footsteps of Satan , who only commands evil and immorality. 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 25) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 164. Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea... and the water which Allah sends down from the sky... are signs for a people who use reason. 165. And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Hi...
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From Certainty to Uncertainty: Foundations of Algorithmic Decision Making

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Let us begin this journey into decision making by starting from the comfort of deterministic models and gradually stepping into the uncertainty of stochastic ones . A deterministic model is one where the outcome is completely predictable—the same input always produces the same output, like the mathematical fact that 2 + 2 equals 4. A stochastic model, on the other hand, involves randomness; rolling a die, for example, can yield any value from one to six. The goal of this discussion is to build the foundations for understanding decision making under uncertainty . At the heart of this problem lies a simple loop: an agent observes an environment and then takes an action based on what it observed. This is known as the observe–act cycle . Figure 1: The foundational Observe–Act Cycle in Decision Making. Although this loop appears simple, each component (Environment, ...
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Quran Page 24: Trials, Patience, and the Sanctity of Safa & Marwa (Surah Al-Baqarah 154-163)

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📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 24) In Page 24 , the Quran provides a powerful framework for handling adversity. It reminds us that those slain in the path of Allah are not dead, but alive in a way we cannot perceive. It also lists the trials believers should expect—fear, hunger, and loss of wealth or life—and gives the famous response of the patient: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un." Additionally, it establishes Safa and Marwa as symbols of Allah and emphasizes the Oneness of God (Tawhid). 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 24) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 154. And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not. 155. And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. 156. Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah,...
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Quran Page 23: Competing in Goodness and the Finality of the Qiblah (Surah Al-Baqarah 146-153)

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📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 23) In Page 23 , the Quran highlights that the truth of the new Qiblah is undeniable. Allah (SWT) commands the believers that no matter where they travel, they must turn their faces toward Al-Masjid al-Haram . This page also introduces a beautiful shift toward personal spiritual growth, urging us to "remember Allah" so that He remembers us, and to seek help through patience and prayer . 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 23) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 146. Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceals the truth while they know [it]. 148. For each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. 150. And from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward ...
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Quran Page 22: The Change of the Qiblah and the Middle Nation (Surah Al-Baqarah 142-145)

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📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 22 - Start of Juz 2) Welcome to the beginning of the second Juz ! In Page 22 , Allah (SWT) addresses the turning point in Islamic history: the changing of the Qiblah . This shift was a test of faith to distinguish those who truly followed the Messenger (PBUH) from those who did not. Allah also describes the Muslim community as a "Middle Nation" —one that is balanced, moderate, and serves as a witness to mankind. 🕌 Arabic Text (Uthmani Script) ۞ سَيَقُولُ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَا وَلَّاهُمْ عَنْ قِبْلَتِهِمُ الَّتِي كَانُوا عَلَيْهَا ۚ قُلْ لِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ۚ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ (١٤٢) وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنْتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّنْ يَنْقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَبِير...
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