Technology, it is safe to say it's all around us. From Android to Apple, Samsung's to LG's you would be hard-pressed to find anybody who hasn't jumped on the smartphone bandwagon.
In fact, the Muslim community has not so surprisingly picked up on this multi-billion dollar industry, you can now hear Adhan apps go off in prayer rooms all across the country or perhaps you just might spot an uncle playing candy crush after Dhuhr Salah.
With Muslims becoming an ever growing part of this global society, Islamic apps are in demand. And this demand is being filled by inventive entrepreneurs across the Muslim world. We have scoured through app stores, separating the good from the not so good and narrowed it down to our five favourite Islamically inspired apps..
Fajr Up
Struggling to get up for Fajr? Trying to find an alternative to your overzealous spouse pouring water on you at 4am? Need not worry the Fajr Up is a clever way of doing just that.
Fajr Up is a community of users who through the app wake each other up for Fajr. Simply enter your location, select your gender, and you'll receive a phone call from a random person from around the world. The app might not be suitable for everybody but it has its perks.
'Imagine setting your FajrUp for 04.30am and then imagine getting a call at that time from another FajrUp user somewhere in the world....simple isnโt it.....the calls last no more than 15 seconds after which they will automatically disconnect. No long conversations, just enough time to wake up someone for their prayers, or be woken up, quick, casual, and not awkward at all'
Price: FREE
OS: Android
SIRA APP
The Sira App by Alpha Apps and Awakening Worldwide is an interactive animated mobile application based on the the Sira of Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ. The app offers a great way for kids to understand the life of the Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ in an engaging and technological way
'Teach your children the story of the Prophet of Islam in an interactive and engaging way. Your kid will learn positive values like trustworthiness, honesty, and many other such values. It is a perfect app to encourage a discussion between parents and kids about Prophet Muhammad (s)'
The Sira is broken down into eleven episodes, with the first one available free of charge. However, the remaining have to be purchased within the App. Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ , his wives, and the ten companions promised Paradise including Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman, Ali (RA) have not been illustrated.
If you are looking for an alternative way to engage your kids with the Sira, we would recommend trying this app out.
Price: FREE (Requires In App Purchases)
OS: Apple/Android
IQRA
Have you ever had that one Ayah stuck in your head and wondered what Surah it was from? The Iqra app works in a similar way to 'Shazaam' in that it detects by recitation an individual ayah and shows you exactly where it is in the Quran.
Simply open the App and start reciting and 'Iqra' will do its best to detect what Surah you have recited. The app is also super useful if you had an ayah in mind but weren't sure if you were saying it correctly. It will pick out some of the words you've mentioned and try to find the closest match.
The technology is very accurate as long as your recitation is clear and precise. The app also gives you the English translation of any Ayah and the option to share it.
A super useful tool and one that actually works!
Price: FREE
OS: Android
Ramadan Legacy
The fourth app on this list might be slightly out of season, but it's so useful we have to include it anyway. Ramadan Legacy is a clever application created for the purpose of 'enhancing your Ramadan'. The app works in a similar way to a diary or journal in that it allows you to keep note of how many acts of worship you are completing, as well as allowing you to keep note of your progress.
Ramadan Legacy is the Worldโs First Fully Featured App for Ramadan that launched in June 2015. We directly supported over 150,000 Muslims in Ramadan 2015 to help fulfil their worshipping duties, learn about Islam and connect with other Muslims around the world.
We provided an inspirational yet practical tool for Muslims to fulfil their Ramadan and make key spiritual changes to their life. Through the app millions of acts of worship were recorded such as days fasted, daily prayers and taraweeh, reading Qurโan and memorising ayats, duโas and hadith in the app.
The app also doubles up as an Islamic resource and social network with thousands of people already using the app. It's a beneficial resource and a unique take on developing your spirituality.
Price: FREE
OS: Apple/Android
Halal Gems
Avid Instagram users would probably have heard of the Halal Gems Instagram account. They curate wonderful images and places to eat throughout the UK.
Now, you can use their app to easily access their digital magazine packed full with interviews, foodie tips, and reviews. The app's interface works in a similar way to the 'discover' feature on Snapchat, it can take a while to download each issue but once you have it downloaded it's easy and efficient to navigate. A beautiful and elegant design compliments the well researched and detailed articles. Great work!
Price: FREE
OS: Android/Apple
Thanks for checking out this post. Let us know your thoughts on the apps listed by tweeting @bahathmag
Author: Muhammad Yousuf Shuwekh
