Ramadan Mubarak! Yes, it’s that time of the year when Muslims around the world observe the sacred month of Ramadan by fasting, praying and carrying out good deeds.
However, depriving oneself of nourishment and abstaining from certain pleasures before the sun sets can be very tough during the fasting month. With this in mind, app makers have created different kinds of platforms to make the month easier and more spiritual.
From apps to social platforms, there are several ways you can make the most out of technology this Ramadan. 🤗
Here are some handy apps and platforms that can help to keep prayer times and directions, habits, Qur’an exploring and diet management during the fasting month.
Digital Quran (al Quran, Quran for Android)
The Holy Book (Quran) was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during Ramadan so it’s a custom to spend more time reading it this month. Carrying a physical Quran as you go through your daily activities can be a hassle so Qur’an apps such as al Quran and Quran for Andriod are pretty handy.
With the app, it’s possible to read the entire text, its translations and listen to commentary in various languages. Some even allow users to search the text and listen to verse-by-verse recitations.
Food Delivery Apps and Halal restaurants (Jumia Foods, TripAdvisor)
Do you feel like having a hot roll of Amala mixed with Gbegiri and Ewedu to break your fast, or are you craving fried chicken? Well, there are apps like Jumia foods, TripAdvisor and GShop by Gokada that are a useful guide for halal food-seekers.
The app geo-locates your closest fast foods and restaurants. It also lets you read and write reviews, review the halal authenticity, view opening times and prices etc.
For example, if you are residing in Lagos, some of the Halal restaurants you will find are Syrian Club, Salma’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine among others
Having the option and convenience of food delivery services have made us a bit lazy but it has also benefited many especially those who work late or have no time to prepare meals to break their fast.
Ramadan Legacy
With so many distractions here and there, keeping track of your progress during Ramadan can be tasking. However, the Ramadan Legacy app makes it easier to track progress using an interactive timeline that shows all Ramadan achievements throughout the month.
It works by asking you what your personal goals are for the month and then encourages you to achieve them through daily and inspirational reminders. An example is the daily reminders for your mandatory prayers and Tarawih (night) prayers.
The app also has a social element that allows users to share their Ramadan photos or reflections with other users across the globe in their live stream.
Muslim Pro
Muslim Pro app removes the need to find out just when the sunrise or sets. The app will notify you of the accurate prayer times and even play call-to-prayer sounds to announce when it’s time to break the fast.
Muslim Pro is used by more than 40 million Muslims around the world
There is also a compass to show you the direction to Mecca and a full audio Holy Quran translated into 15 different languages to help with prayers.
Users can choose whether they want visual and audio Azan and Adhan notifications. The app is available for Android, iOS and Blackberry and is one of the biggest Ramadan mobile applications used by Muslims worldwide.
Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker
It is always tempting to dig in and start binging when the fast breaks but it’s important to watch your calories and eat healthily. Tracking apps like Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker can help with that.
Scientists are already uncovering evidence that fasting in a balanced way can have health benefits during the month of Ramadan.
The app helps you in watching what you eat and counting your calories. This guarantees that you won’t put on extra pounds and also gives you the opportunity to eat healthily and keep fit.
Alarms (Sleep Bot)
Waking up at the right time could be the difference between you having something to eat before the sun comes up. Alarms and apps like Sleep Bot allows users to set smart alarms for a time when you’ll wake up at the right time feeling fresh-faced and rested.
The app also uses your phone to track your movement and the noise you make at night to work out the quality of the sleep you’re getting.
Charity (Lagos Food Bank, Action against Hunger)
Good deeds and sharing is an important part of Ramadan. In Northern Nigeria, sharing food during the fast is a major part of the Ramadan tradition.
Feeding the hungry and charity (or giving the Zakat) are acts that may lead you up to Paradise, especially so during the month of Fasting.
In a situation when you can’t personally cook or share, there are charity platforms that focus on Hunger that you can donate to with just a click online. For example in Nigeria, there are the Lagos Food Bank and the Action against Hunger group which focus on alleviating hunger.
Video/Music Streaming
Video and Music content are an important part of daily life and that doesn’t change during the fasting month. Music streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music have a great catalogue of relaxing and inspirational religious content for you.
Similarly, sites like YouTube allow users to stream videos uploaded by believers all over the world. The videos may include religious lectures, sermons and even tutorials on how to read the Quran.
For example, The Productive Muslim Company uploads interesting and sometimes funny videos and animations on YouTube as modern-day guides for Muslims.
They also have a collection of Productive Ramadan animations listing down ways of staying productive during the month of Ramadan.
In summary, Technology can be a great help in making the Ramadan season enjoyable despite the need for restraints and discipline.
Ramadan Kareem ☪!
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