As Muslims are enjoined to complete the reading and recitation of their Holy Book during Ramadan, high-tech companies have taken the opportunity to launch digital Holy Qurans in the market.
Palm-sized Holy Qurans are now available for as low as Dh479. The earlier ones launched a couple of years ago were table-top versions and were much more expensive.
One of the new digital Holy Qurans is manufactured in South Korea and has a "Surah" (chapter) index. With this one can simultaneously hear and read the chapter in either Arabic or English.
Since Arabic is not the first language of many Muslims, the digital Holy Quran offers instant translation and you can even read the chapter in English while it is being recited in Arabic.
Muslim expatriates when told to comment on this innovation, pointed out that there is no clash between science and religion in Islam. This version called Penman Digital Holy Quran runs on two AAA batteries and is as light as a calculator.
"There have been a lot of inquires since it has been launched," says a sales agent at a leading store in Dubai.
The Holy Quran is recited by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais and the Arabic version is in Uthmani fonts. The salesman said a French version is also on the market. The company is marketing other digital products which can help you memorise the chapters of the Holy Book.
Meanwhile, another company has launched its pocket version of the Holy Quran which also has inbuilt prayer timings. The call to prayer can be activated in this digital Holy Quran.
The DiMaq company also has a paperback sized digital version. This has incorporated the 40 Hadith Shareef or the sayings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Technology has been keeping pace with the religious needs of Muslims, and recently a mobile phone was marketed here which shows the "Qiblah" or the direction which Muslims turn to when praying.
Clocks in the shape of a mosque are common here. The clock plays a recorded call to prayer.
Gulf News
