6 essential apps for Ramadan

Afshan Ahmed

With Ramadan under way, here’s a round up of six top-rated apps that can help you to achieve your goals during the holy month – from keeping you up to date with prayer times to providing a variety of iftar recipes.

Ramadan Fitness Challenge

Exercise tends to get sidelined when the focus is successfully getting through the day without food and drink. But it needn’t be that way, with some advance planning. This app sends out a daily home-workout challenge for those who are fasting. It is developed by health experts and takes into account nutrition and physical activity to stay fit. Users will be encouraged to do a set of 12 time-based exercises, which will be managed with a customised timer and voice-over messages.

• In Apple and Android stores

Ayat – Al Quran

This pocket Quran is useful – especially during a ­commute to or from work – because it provides access to Quran verses read by famous personalities, as well as text translations in more than 20 languages. Developed at King Saud University, the app comes loaded with a scanned copy of the Mushaf (physical bound volume of the Quran) – the Mushaf Al Madina, Mushaf Al Tajweed and Mushaf Warsh. Users can replay ayats at their convenience and can look up voice translations in English and Urdu.

• In Apple and ­Android stores

Ramadan Legacy

From completing the recitation of the Quran to giving alms, this app helps you create a journal, a personalised 30-day interactive planner, and access to a library with tips and guides on Ramadan as well as a live social stream to share your experience with other users. Once you log your objective, it sends regular reminders and inspirational messages.

• In Apple and ­Android stores. For more details visit ramadanlegacy.com

Salatuk

Never miss a prayer with this app that keeps you updated on prayer times, mosques near you and the direction of the Qibla. All you need to do is adjust the location settings and enable GPS for accurate calculations.

• In Apple and Android stores

My Halal Kitchen

Stuck for wholesome recipe ideas for suhoor? Have guests coming over for iftar but don’t know what to cook? Let this app be your guide for those important meals. My Halal Kitchen has cook-as-you-go recipes with clear instructions and video guides. You can even download a favourite recipe and view it offline, or email it to a friend through the app. The creator also welcomes the submission of halal recipes which are featured on the app.

• Available only on Android

Ainun

Ainun, which translates as “eyes” in Arabic, allows you to get creative with your wishes. The photo- sharing app allows users to overlay calligraphy and inspirational quotes on images. Like other photo apps, such as Instagram, Ainun offers filters for editing purposes, while also listing popular Islamic expressions and quotes that can be added to pictures.

• Available only on Apple