Source: euronews.com

An increasing number of technological innovations are helping Muslims to meet the requirements of their religion, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The evolving mobile applications for believers include: alarms that prompt prayer times, countdowns that run until ‘iftar’ (the fast break) and digital compasses that show the right direction to Mecca.

Countdown Clocks: One of the most popular mobile applications is “Ramadan Times” a countdown to iftar, the evening meal that breaks the day-time fast. This ‘breakfast meal’ is the highlight of the day for many hungry fasters who come together with their families after sunset. The application is available from the appstore for the iPhone and iPad, where it is advertised for its amazing punctuality of the time of sunrise and sunset.

Live Prayers: Google is also trying to combine traditional religious values with 21th century technology by creating a YouTube channel where believers can follow live the prayers from the Islamic city of Mecca.

Muslims can also participate in virtual Google+ Hangouts at the time of iftar, where famous chefs cook live, others share recipe ideas and doctors give tips on healthy eating.

Several Ramadan-based applications are the fruits of a Nokia and Microsoft collaboration, which can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Store. Examples include, ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which offers users the times of prayers and ‘Qur’an Mojawed’ which provides the entire Qur’an in Arabic calligraphy.

“Muslim Pro” is considered to be one of the best mobile applications out there. In addition to prayer times and a Mecca compass it offers a range of special features, such as maps of local Halal restaurants and mosques, a calendar showing the Islamic holy dates, and a list of the 99 names of Allah and the Prophet Mohammed.

Another application called “Tracker Ramadan” is recommended to new or inexperienced Muslims who need guidance about… continue reading at  euronews.com