Technology and social media is not just changing how we work and play, but also having an impact on how religious occasions such as Ramadan are observed and the ways companies market everything from to shopping.
Thanks to a bevy of new apps and digital tools, Muslims are employing 21st-century technology to observe the holy month and curate a better Ramadan experience. These apps range from Quran readings and Mecca directions to Iftar recipes and Ramadan fitness schedules! The United Nations World Food Programme even created an app for Ramadan that allows users to donate to feed a refugee child for an entire day through a simple tap on the smartphone. Technology is also helping millions of Muslims living away from their families to connect and share moments with loved ones.
Android and Apple Stores worldwide typically experience a sharp surge of activity before Ramadan with downloads and purchases of Islamic apps. In fact, apps are very representative of the UAE, where ancient tradition-based and Islamic culture blends with the youthful and tech-loving atmosphere of the population. According to a 2016 Facebook MENA research, “ 83% of people in UAE access the internet with a smartphone during Ramadan”. The research also depicts how critical social media apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter influence decision making and spending during this festive season.
While the older generation may reminiscence about alms-giving and eating with loved ones during ‘iftar’ and ‘suhour’, the younger generation do the same through social media. In all, internet and technology continue to bring people closer and break down geographical barriers. The message of Ramadan remains unchanged, no matter where technology takes us.
