THE EMIRATE 1 - A cell phone to help pray towards Mecca

Engadget blogs about a Pocket PC Phone called the EMIRATE 1, "which besides being the first Pocket PC built in the United Arab Emirates, also comes with built-in GPS navigation - which they tout as being able to help you find Mecca when it's time to pray". This is not the first technology geared towards orienting muslins towards Mecca, LG Electronics (LGE) developped a GPRS mobile phone equipped with a compass and programmed to indicate direction, cf Compass Mobile Phone for Muslims . And Muslim Faithful have used a short messaging service for years as a digital muezzin, texting them to prayer five times a day from the cellular towers instead of minarets. permalink (March 4th, 2004)

«Islamic» cell phone

Ilkone Mobile Telecommunications based in Dubai has announced the launch of a new mobile phone for the Islamic community, with built in electronic device & special software to give automatic direction to Mecca, complete English translation for the Holy Quran meaning, complete azan voice for prayer calls and Hijri and Gregorian calendar displays. In their own words "a mobile phone that gives you access to your belief wherever you are".  The name ilkone" is driven from an Arab word meaning "universe". The handsets will be available before the end of the year in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. via Le Nouvel Obs (in French). Related articles: -- Compass Mobile Phone for Muslims - LG Electronics (LGE) has developped a GPRS mobile phone equipped with a compass and programmed to indicate direction -- digital muezzin - Muslim Faithful have used a short messaging service for years as a digital muezzin, texting them to prayer five times a day from the cellular towers instead of minarets. -- MobIslam.Com: a mobile portal for Islam - A mobile portal dedicated to the French-speaking Muslim community, offering arabic logos, islamic ringtones, interactive services as well as SMS alerts of either prayers or verses of the Koran. pass and programmed to indicate direction. permalink (July 10th, 2004)

‘Made in Saudi Arabia' mobile phones

A new breed of mobile phones will come out of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the end of January—the Islamic Saudi Mobile Phone, reports GMR News "The first ‘Made in Saudi Arabia' mobile phone is manufactured by KSA-based Saudi Television Manufacturing Company (STMC). The technology that was developed to be able to manufacture the phones has reportedly cost as much as $9 million. “The product is made without collaboration with any foreign manufacturer,” said Ghazi Saleh Al-Shalhoub, chairman of STMC as quoted in Arab News. The new phone supposedly has a high memory capacity, has the ability to save incoming and outgoing numbers and record calls lasting more than fifteen minutes. The phone is also equipped with a battery that is supposed to last twelve hours of use. Qibla direction and prayer times in over 5,000 cities worldwide are also provided within the phone, which will be available in a variety of languages including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian and Bahasa Indonesia. Related: -- «Islamic» cell phone - Ilkone Mobile Telecommunications based in Dubai has announced the launch of a new mobile phone for the Islamic community, with built in electronic device & special software to give automatic direction to Mecca, complete English translation for the Holy Quran meaning, complete azan voice for prayer calls and Hijri and Gregorian calendar displays. -- Compass Mobile Phone for Muslims - LG Electronics (LGE) has developped a GPRS mobile phone equipped with a compass and programmed to indicate direction -- digital muezzin - Muslim Faithful have used a short messaging service for years as a digital muezzin, texting them to prayer five times a day from the cellular towers instead of minarets. -- Saudia Arabia and Camera phones - Links to articles related to Saudi Arabia's ban on camera phones (recently overturned). permalink (January 8th, 2005)

Islamic Mobile Phone hits European Market

This week, mulsim prayer phone Ilkone, (meaning Arabic for universe), went on sale in the Netherlands for its European debut, according to Oranian Quran News Agency. "It will be followed by launches in France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and Bosnia in coming months. No launch date was mentioned for the US. The Ilkone i800 generates five automated reminders a day at prayer time, points Muslims in the direction of Mecca and contains a complete, authorized version of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, in Arabic and English. Made by the Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based startup Samcom, Ilkone's entry into the European market follows a successful introduction in the Middle East and Asia, where it is available in 23 countries. Advertised as "the first and only Islamic phone that gives you access to your beliefs wherever you are," it retails in Dutch telecommunications outlets for Euro 289 (US$356), excluding a mobile phone subscription." Related: -- ‘Made in Saudi Arabia' mobile phones - A new breed of mobile phones will come out of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the end of January, the Islamic Saudi Mobile Phone. -- «Islamic» cell phone - Ilkone Mobile Telecommunications based in Dubai has announced the launch of a new mobile phone for the Islamic community, with built in electronic device & special software to give automatic direction to Mecca, complete English translation for the Holy Quran meaning, complete azan voice for prayer calls and Hijri and Gregorian calendar displays. -- Compass Mobile Phone for Muslims - LG Electronics (LGE) has developped a GPRS mobile phone equipped with a compass and programmed to indicate direction -- digital muezzin - Muslim Faithful have used a short messaging service for years as a digital muezzin, texting them to prayer five times a day from the cellular towers instead of minarets. -- Saudia Arabia and Camera phones - Links to articles related to Saudi Arabia's ban on camera phones (recently overturned). permalink (September 24th, 2005)

Compass Mobile Phone for Muslims

Muslim Faithful have used a short messaging service for years as a digital muezzin, texting them to prayer five times a day from the cellular towers instead of minarets.

Now, taking the concept further and pointing Muslims towards Mecca, LG Electronics (LGE) has developped a GPRS mobile phone equipped with a compass and programmed to indicate direction, according to eTech Korea via MobileBurn.com.

permalink (October 15th, 2003)

Mobile phone insurance to comply with Sharia law arrives

Foneshield is launching what it claims is the first Sharia compliant mobile phone insurance policy. The Inquirer reports. "The company claims that the policy will appeal to ethically aware consumers, not just upwardly-mobile European Muslims. It introduced this new insurance product following research that showed 58 per cent of respondents were willing to opt for an ethical insurance policy. Ethical compliance will cover the investment, participation and processes of the insurance cover. It will be sold directly online and through selected mobile phone dealers." permalink (April 9th, 2008)

Dubai's Grand Mufti accredits divorce through SMS

Amazingly, divorce by SMS is still going on in Malaysia. According to the Malaysia Sun, Dubai's Grand Mufti, Ahmed al-Haddad, "acknowledging the synergy of technology and tadition, confirmed that a Muslim divorce can be carried out by a text message: 'While some said writing a divorce is equivalent to verbally announcing it, others believe a divorce must be documented by writing and can only be applied when there is intention and when it is read aloud. Divorce through this modern way is not different from using a pen and a paper," he said. Related: -- Debate of SMS Divorce (still) Rages in Malaysia -- Malaysian Senator fined for cell phone divorce -- Indian Women unite against Muslim divorce by SMS -- Malaysian Muslims and divorcing by SMS in the news again -- Divorce by SMS, face a fine: M'sia -- Don't give out divorce papers, departments warned -- Mobile divorce unacceptable, says Malaysia (BBC) permalink (March 2nd, 2007)

The wildest mobile apps

There's more to mobile apps than ringtones, text messages and casual games, according to telecomasia.net via Tome Hume. Wireless Asia has compiled some of the most interesting mobile apps they've come across in the last couple of years, showcasing some of the more imaginative mobile apps spotted "in the wild" (so to speak), and to provide a sneak peek at what various R&D boffins think will define apps development in the future. Most have been covered in the blog over the years, but it's a truly wonderful roundup. 1. The Lie/Love detector The "Truthful Calls" service uses a voice analysis system by Israeli company Nemesysco that functions as an emotion detector, assessing the level of honesty of the person you're calling. 2. Call yourself in the future From Web services company CDyne, a Web-based app that allows you to call yourself in the future. Really! 3. Ghost detector TV show tie-ins are becoming a frequent excuse for mobile apps. Mobile content development company Wiretown (started, appropriately, by two men with TV broadcasting backgrounds) have developed a paranormal detector for cellphones. 4. Car alarm The "Silent-I" system not only sends an SMS to the car's own 5. Spy phones An ordinary-looking mobile phone that actually doubles as an eavesdropping device 6. Halal verification service An SMS-based service in Malaysia that allows Muslims to conform the halal status (which is to say "permissible" under Islamic law) of products. 7. Liquid wallpaper Technically more of a user-interface feature than an app, but still innovative: the N702iS handset (developed by NEC, NTT DoCoMo and Japanese design company Nendo) comes with sensor-driven wallpaper that makes the screen look like a glass of liquid. 8. Send SMS messages and emoticons to your clothes Uranium-Jeans has a line of "interactive clothing" that comes with embedded flexible micro screens that display images and scrolling text messages that can either be downloaded from Uranium's Web site or sent by SMS. 9. Camera dictionary Camera Dictionary is a software app that allows users to scan English words using their camera phones and translate them to Japanese. 10. Mobile breathalyzer Not sure if you or your driver has had one too many martinis? Use your mobile phone to check his or her alcohol level via a breath analyzer connected to the handset. And a favortie future ap: Ghost in the cell Professor Kim Jong-hwan of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology wants to take the "genie in a bottle" concept and bring it to the mobile phone in the form of a software robot. The "robot" would be something like a 3D avatar that would adjust itself to the characteristics of the cell phone owner. permalink (October 27th, 2006)

Levi's To Launch Jeans Branded Mobile Phones

According to Cellular News, jeans clothing firm, Levi Strauss has announced plans to launch a range of branded mobile phones and accessories, under the Levi's brand label in 2007. "The company says that, drawing its inspiration from the iconic roots of the Levi's brand, the collection will be a youthful and sexy take on the brand heritage: denim, rivets and the arcuate. ... Back in 2002, Levi Strauss launched "a pair of jeans which came with a radiation shield in the pockets to "protect" cellphone owners should they put their phone in the pockets." Related: -- Jeans for Muslims -- John Galliano integrates pockets for cell phones -- New Navy Dress Code includes Cell phone wear -- Smart pants for Cell-Phone users -- Levis' anti radiation Dockers model permalink (October 19th, 2006)

Mobile Muslim

Mobile Muslim (also known as ‘Hidayah which means divine guidance in Arabic) is a new phone launched in Indonesia designed completey around the Koran. It sounds the "azan" call to prayer five times a day as well as the bang of the traditional bedug drum used at sunset to signal the end of the fast. It also wakes Muslims up with religious songs before the dawn prayers so they can eat a final meal. Since it's launch in August, Mobile Musllim has sold 100'000 units. [via mobuzz.tv] Links to other articles related to Islamic cell phones. permalink (October 16th, 2008)

Sun Dial calls Muslims to prayer

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a mobile phone application known as Sun Dial, which alerts Muslim users when it's time to perform the five daily prayers known as salat. TechRadar reports.

Sun Dial tells users that the time to pray is approaching by using an image of the sun lining up with a green circle. When the sun lines up with the circle, it's time to pray.

It's not yet available for download. Links to articles related to other Islamic Phones. permalink (April 7th, 2009)

Body Cavity Bomb detonated by SMS

Last month an al-Qaeda militant passed through several airline security checks with a bomb hidden in his intestine. He later detonated the bomb with a cell phone signal, but failed in his attempt to assassinate a prominent Saudi prince. The Telegraph reports.

It was during the month of Ramadan, a time of repentance for Muslims and Aseiri was granted an audience with the prince at his private palace in Jeddah, by declaring that he would persuade other militants to surrender. Asiri briefly called other militants to tell them that he was standing alongside Prince Nayef. It was all recorded by al-Qaeda who has turned the episode into an animated movie boasting of their exploits. During the conversation a bleep was heard between two identical phrases repeated by the bomber and the man he is speaking to. This keypad sound or text message may have activated a short fuse on the bomb, according to security experts. Asiri then declared that more al-Qaeda figures wanted to surrender and asks the prince to take the cell phone. Some 14 seconds later the bomb went off.

Read full article. permalink (October 5th, 2009)

Kenyan mosque jams mobile calls

A device which blocks mobile phone signals has answered the prayers of some Kenyan Muslims, reports the BBC.

Imams in Kenya have long complained that mobile phones constantly rang during prayers, disrupting services. Imam Hassan Kithiye says he bought the machine in Dubai and it has been well received by his congregation. A BBC correspondent in north-eastern Kenya says other mosques around Garissa town are now trying to raise enough funds to buy their own device.

Related: -- Turkish imam to fine owners of ringing mobile phones during prayers -- A Fatwa Against Ringtones permalink (July 17th, 2009)

Fatwa Issued Answering Cell Phone during Aayat

A Muslim organization has issued a fatwa over using verses from the Koran as ringtones, saying that answering the call while the aayat (verses from the Koran) is going on is a sin. It argues that people answer calls midway through the aayat, leave the verse incomplete. TechTree reports via Channel 4.

The panel of clerics in Kanpur India, also said that taking a cellphone to the toilet as it rings is a sin because aayat cannot be heard in a toilet. They also condemned the habit that people have of keeping cell phones on vibration mode while attending prayer services. A fatwa in the Islamic faith is a religious opinion on Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar.

Other cell phone related Fatwas: -- A Fatwa Against Ringtones - An imam at a Mosque in Saudi Arabia issued a fatwa against mobile phones after one rang during prayers on Saturday, playing Arabic pop music. -- Fatwa: No pictures of the bride by SMS - Cheikh Abd Al-Muhsin Al-’Obikan, a member of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council and advisor to the Ministry of Justice, has issued a fatwa forbidding a fiancé to look at pictures of his fiancée uploaded online by SMS, for fear that others could see her before their marriage. -- Fatwa Council declares SMS contests based on chance «haram» (unlawful) - The National Fatwa Council's declaration today that SMS-based contests containing elements of chance were haram (unlawful for Muslims) Photo from flickr. permalink (April 15th, 2009)

Pakistani on SMS blasphemy charge

A Pakistani Christian has been arrested because he sent blasphemous text messages to Muslims from his mobile phone, reports the BBC. "He says he did this as he was upset with attacks on churches in the country. ... Blasphemy can carry the death sentence in Pakistan although no-one has ever been executed for the crime". Related article: -- Death penalty in blasphemy case - In November 2003, a man was been sentenced to death for making insulting comments about the Prophet Mohammed. The 55-year-old Muslim pleaded not guilty to the accusations and was expected to appeal against the verdict. permalink (May 27th, 2006)

Jeans for Muslims

A new line of jeans called Al Quds Jeans, designed by a small company in northern Italy caters to Muslims seeking to stay comfortable while they worship. "They're high around the waist, wide around the leg and have lots of pockets for holding watches, bracelets, glasses and other knickknacks - including cell phones (?). The pockets are for holding all the accessories Muslims have to take off while they pray. [The AP via Agenda Inc] Related - assuming the Al Quds Jeans have roomy pockets with cell phones in mind : -- John Galliano integrates pockets for cell phones -- New Navy Dress Code includes Cell phone wear -- Smart pants for Cell-Phone users -- Levis' anti radiation Dockers model -- Kilts with secret pockets for car keys and a cell phone permalink (March 23rd, 2006)

Prayer and fasting times direct to your mobile phone

MyAdhan has launched its prayer and fasting times SMS text message alert service to Muslims in the UK. After signing up to the website and configuring your account, you then start receiving daily text message prayer and fasting time specific to your location. "Muslims in the UK can also get prayer times by request, without subscription. MyAdhan TEXTback service can be used to receive accurate postcode-specific fasting and prayer times, sent directly to your mobile, when you need it." [via Arab Mobile Communications via Smart Mobs] permalink (October 13th, 2005)

Pakistan imposes ban on cell phone use during Eid Festival

In an attempt to thwart any chance of violence during thefestival of Eid, the Pakistan government has imposed a ban on the use of cell phones and digital cameras, reports India Daily. Bakr Eid, as the festival is popularly known, celebrates the end of Ramada and symbolises the ultimate submission to the will of Allah. It was on this day that Prophet Abraham sacrificed his son Ismail as per the divine wishes communicated to him by Archangel Gabriel. Muslims throughout the world commemorate Abraham's sacrifice on this day by symbolically slaughtering an animal. (Hindustan Times) permalink (January 20th, 2005)

A Fitful Relationship With Tech

For Muslims unable to make the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, the humble mobile phone is proving to be something of a godsend. But there's a dark side to technology, too, for this religion of a billion people, reports The Associated Press. "Dozens of Islamic websites have been launched in recent years, many of them reflecting on the punitive or violent side of the faith followed by the world's 1 billion Muslims. Some are chat-based, allowing for a dialogue about the religion, but many take a militant stance, advocating violence against Westerners in Islamic countries, promoting holy war and boasting of attacks. Pilgrim and cleric Sheik Armiyawo Shaidu, 47, of Accra, Ghana, agreed, saying the extremists have taken better advantage of technology than moderate Muslims. "This kind of advancement in communication has provided a very unnecessary but prominent platform to the extremists who are sending across negative messages that (are) not only harming people but also our peaceful religion," Shaidu said, referring to the violence in Iraq. "These people (terrorists) have successfully used these tools to confuse the minds of Muslims who are open to extremist views," he said, adding that most modern Muslims were "voiceless." "I think we need a more pro-active approach to the problem and (must) plan ahead of time to beat them to their own game," he said. permalink (January 18th, 2005)

Info2cell offers free Islamic content during Ramadan

Info2cell.com is offering a unique “Islamic Trivia” service that allows mobile phone subscribers to receive Islamic content on their mobile phones during Ramadan, with a chance to win daily and grand prizes, reports cpilive.net. "The free service has been launched following a tie-up between Info2cell.com and Fastlink in Jordan and Oman Mobile and Mustafa Sultan in Oman, allowing subscribers to receive the content via SMS or MMS. The service has attracted over 85,000 subscribers in Jordan and Oman so far." Related: -- Fatwa Council declares SMS contests based on chance «haram» (unlawful) - The National Fatwa Council's declaration today that SMS-based contests containing elements of chance were haram (unlawful for Muslims) has been welcomed by several companies that run SMS-based contests. -- SMS greetings during Ramadan deplored - An insightful article written by Raid Qusti in Al Jazeerah, deplores changes in the Saudi society under the influence of capitalist culture, particularly in the behavior and habits of people during Ramadan. permalink (November 11th, 2004)

Indian Women unite against Muslim divorce by SMS

Though in Malaysia, authorities overturned Islamic Syariah Court's ruling that allows Muslims to end marriages through mobile text messages since 2003, according to an article in Adnkronos International IOL "divorce among Muslims in India has never been easier thanks to new technology that has enabled men to end their marriages through an SMS or mobile phone text message. Now a group of Muslim women are up in arms against this method of articulating the "triple talaaq", the formal unilateral declaration, repeated three times, with which men declare their divorce from their wives. Sources among the Muslim community in Mumbai have said that representatives from "dozens of women’s associations", have decided to organise a three-day convention in Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, on the problems facing women in the world of Islam, including this new method of divorce. The conference is set to begin on Tuesday. permalink (November 21st, 2005)

Malaysian Senator fined for cell phone divorce

Malaysia's Islamic court has fined a senator $ 145 for divorcing his wife through cell phone via SMS and voice mail message, reports The Times of India. " The senator, Kamaruddin Ambok, 52, who had resorted to the high-tech style of divorcing five years ago, was given a stern lecture on the sanctity of marriage by judge Zainor Hassin, who fined him for the offence." Picture left from the BBC According to an article in C/Net Asia last August, "Malaysian authorities overturned Islamic Syariah Court's ruling that allows Muslims to end marriages through mobile text messages. Divorce via impersonal channels like SMS, e-mails, letters, faxes and telephone calls will not be validated by the Muslim court." Related articles: -- Malaysian Muslims and divorcing by SMS in the news again --Divorce via SMS, face a fine: M'sia -- Don't give out divorce papers, departments warned -- Mobile divorce unacceptable, says Malaysia (BBC) permalink (January 20th, 2006)

Texts 'uplift' Muslim communities

A new mobile phone text messaging service called muslimtext.com, aims to boost the quality of life for Muslims, reports the BBC. "It sends daily uplifting messages to "spiritually enlighten" its users. Users are able to receive a host of different services, including messages from the Koran, the Muslim holy book, and daily prayers." Other religions around the world who are using text messaging to spread the good word: -- Text messages from the Great Synagogue - Sydney's Great Synagogue has become the first Jewish community in the world to send Sabbath greetings via SMS. -- The Pope used Text Messaging to spread the good word ... the Vatican had a history of embracing new communications media, and cell phones are a natural vehicle for reaching younger believers. -- Texting faith - New religious text messaging services have been launched in the Philippines. More in Textually, under SMS and Religion. permalink (March 14th, 2006)

Debate of SMS Divorce (still) Rages in Malaysia

Amazing, divorce by SMS is still being debated in Malaysia, according to Islam Online, who writes "several divorce cases have been made through SMS in Malaysia recently". It seems to be admissible if the divorce declared by SMS is verified by the court. Picture left from the BBC. Related: -- Malaysian Senator fined for cell phone divorce -- Malaysian Muslims and divorcing by SMS in the news again --Divorce via SMS, face a fine: M'sia -- Don't give out divorce papers, departments warned -- Mobile divorce unacceptable, says Malaysia (BBC) permalink (February 10th, 2006)

Islamic Scholars' Views on Portraying Mohammed Not Identical

Townhall has a very interesting article on the differing views by Islamic Scholars over the portrayal of Mohammed. Some interpret that even photographs of loved ones are not allowed, and to one Imam, even emoticons, the "smiley-face" icons widely used in email and mobile phone text messaging, are forbidden. "As protests erupt in the Muslim world over cartoon depictions of Mohammed, various media reports stress that Islam forbids any pictures of its founding prophet. However, it's an issue over which -- like so many others in the religion -- scholars appear to differ. "Generally speaking," Muslims believe images of Mohammed are unacceptable, "and many would say it is haram. The same Islamic (shari'a ) law said to outlaw pictures of Mohammed also forbids pictures of any person or even animal -- and there, too, scholars' interpretations vary. Not only have images of Mohammed appeared in art and literature over the centuries, but even today pictorial interpretations are available in the Islamic world. Many such pictures -- both historical and modern -- have been reproduced on the Internet in recent months, prompted by the cartoon dispute. ... Experts on a website called "Ask the Imam" say the act of keeping photographs of loved ones in an album is also prohibited in Islamic law. And they go further than that: Even emoticons - the "smiley-face" icons widely used in email and mobile phone text messaging - are forbidden, rules Mufti Ebrahim Desai, a South Africa-based cleric. permalink (February 7th, 2006)

2003: SMS, good for the soul

This is the fourth post for Textually 2003 - The Year in Review, a series of entries rounding up the most interesting mobile news (best and worst) reported this year. 2003: SMS, Good for the Soul This year, religions from around the world awakened to text messaging as a way of reaching out to young people and as a means of communication to spread the good word. They offered both guidance - and guidelines; the Catholic church said NO to confessions by SMS and Malaysian authorities overturned the Islamic Syariah Court's ruling, allowing Muslims to divorce by SMS. Elsewhere: -- In Italy, Ireland and the UK, a Papal Thought of the Day text messaging service was launched, emanating from His Holiness John Paul II. -- In Indonesia, Islamic preachers with poster boy looks and pop star styles won legions of fans. "They shared the stage with rock bands and used TV, radio and sent text messages to spread their message". -- To inspire users into contemplation, the Roman Catholic church in Holland offered religious ringtones. -- txt@verse, a campaign backed by Christian charities raised money to mobilize against poverty, by offering verses of the Bible by text message at a premium rate. -- In Sydney, a text message service allowed mobile phone users to receive Bible passages directly to their handsets. -- Jews were able to send text messages with a prayer or request to a rabbi, who then placed the note in Jerusalem's Western Wall, thus observing a centuries-old tradition. permalink (December 13th, 2003)