Spiritually connected by app

FARHAD Omar, an app developer, has come up with a solution to ensure people stay connected to their local mosques, while still complying with lockdown regulations.

Omar, of Durban, has created a free online tool named Smart Bilal. The app gives users live-stream access and notifications to Islamic sermons or lectures from any mosque in the country.

Since its inception, the app has garnered more than 34000 users in about 173 countries, including Botswana, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, India and the US.

Omar said he came up with the idea shortly after South Africa entered into a hard lockdown last year.

“It was a difficult time for all of us. We found ourselves isolated at a time when we needed solace through prayer. But we were disconnected from our masjids (mosques). I thought, how can we provide access to people who are unable to listen to the congregational prayers. Not long thereafter, the idea of Smart Bilal was formed.”

With months of research and theological assistance from the Jamiatul Ulama in SA (council of Muslim theologians), the app was built and launched.

“We had to create a hardware device and decode it. It had to be a device that was user friendly. Seventeen developers worked on the product for about a year, building a solid, robust ecosystem.”

He said the app now had an Islamic e-library.

“It has a range of theological books to choose from, many of which are free. The Qur’an is available for people to read and there is a prayer compass to help users see the direction of prayer (towards Mecca).”

He said the name Bilal was chosen because Bilal ibn Rabah was the first person in the Muslim faith who was called to prayer.

The app is available on any android mobile device and smart TVs via Google Play or the App Store.

“It is easy and simple to use. You search for your masjid and it will bring it up for you. You can also listen to prayers from Mecca and Medina or from any other masjid in the country. We have not marketed the application but we are amazed at the number of requests we get about it.”

He said there was an increase in the app’s downloads during Ramadaan. “Ramadaan is to renew our spiritual connection; everyone is looking for different ways to connect with our creator.”

Omar said the technology used in the app could be used to create a similar service for other religious groups.