Everyone in our generation remembers the day they received their very first cell phone. It was a “coming of age” status symbol that allowed us more freedom, greater communication with friends and family, and texting bills that cost us (well, our ticked off fathers) a small fortune.
Since then, cell phones have come a long way. Gone are the days of number pad typing and battery life that could last a week. With the advent of the iPhone and Android smartphones, technology such as touchscreens, accelerometers, and GPS have become an ubiquitous part of our lives.
Accompanying these technological advances has been the arrival of applications or “apps,” as they are more commonly referred to. Now, cell phones are capable of much more than simply making and receiving calls. Developers can create apps for almost everything – to track running distance, read books, watch movies, play games – chances are, you name it, and there is an app for it.
Along with the Angry Birds games, there are also a plethora of Islam oriented apps. I’ve highlighted a few iPhone apps that I personally use which help keep me on track as a Muslim college student balancing social life and academics. They’re all free, so you should definitely give them a shot. For Android users, I will post up another article with corresponding apps soon.
1. Salat Times by Azzure Labs
You will find a multitude of Salah/Prayer apps in the app store. I find that Salat Times has the essential timings, notifications, and qibla direction that I need, all wrapped up in a slick minimalist look.
2. iQuran Lite by Guided Ways Technologies
iQuran is perfect for reading the Quran on the go. It has bookmarks, search ability, tajweed rules, and audio recitation by verse. 3) MP3Quran by MP3Quran
3. MP3Quran by MP3Quran
Mp3quran.net is an excellent website for listening to a number of Quran recitators. The iPhone app is well made and easy to use. It is wonderful for the walks to and from campus.
4. Qamardeen by Batoul Apps
QamarDeen is an app that tracks your Islamic activities such as Salah, Quran reading, Sadaqah and Fasting. You can mark and track your progress on a convenient calendar.
5. Zabihah.com by Halalfire Media
The Zabihah.com app is a useful utility that uses the iPhones GPS to locate nearby zabihah restaurants, halal markets, and local masjids.
What Islamic apps do you use? Share in the comments section below.