Ramadan Apps

The Metro (12 August 2010) carries a short article discussing the use of technology to assist Muslim's in their worship this Ramadan:

"Mobile phone applications such as ‘iPray’ or ‘iKoran’ offer a beeping reminder of requisite prayer times, while the ‘mosque finder’ programs help travellers in unfamiliar cities find the nearest place to pray.

The apps are not just for Ramadan; there are Islamic-themed programs that help users find the nearest supermarket offering halal foods, learn the correct Arabic pronunciations in a daily prayer, or count how many pages of the Koran they have read that day.

The programs are not only offered by Apple. Nokia has a ‘Ramadan suite’ on its phones, a guide to Islam’s holiest month, in which Muslims worldwide observe daily daylight fasting"

You can read the full article here.

The Guardian (11 August 2010) also discusses the topic:

"As millions of Muslims around the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan today, modern technology has stepped in to help them through the 30 days of fasting.

Perhaps inevitably, applications for the iPhone and iPad are now available to provide inspiration, support and practical information during Ramadan, the dates of which are determined by the lunar calendar.

The Ramadan Daily Dua, available for the iPhone and iPad, offers a prayer of supplication specific to each day during the holy month, while Ramadan Booster Pro offers "tips and recommended good deeds to help organise your Ramadan". Nokia has its own updated, free Ramadan application suite, which allows users to browse the Qur'an, get prayer times and find their nearest mosque, among other things."

You can read the full article here.