Tag Archives: Quran app

Exploring the Quran… There’s an app for that!

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Along my path towards ‘Appreciating the meanings of the Quran’, I found a Web-based app (at the time) called Quran Explorer. 

I used it a few times when researching the translation of some verses for speeches in the past so when I found it on the App store a few months a go, I knew it would be a handy app to have on my iPad.

As much as I enjoy reading from my hard copy of the English Translation of the Quran, the convenience of an App meant that I would never be without a copy of the Quran and it’s translation… what more could I ask for?

The Quran Explorer iPad App has been very handy and has greatly aided in my exploration of the Quran and it’s meanings. The App has a very user-friendly interface and includes a search function, audio recitation and commentary on each verse. 

Summary of features:

  • Quran (Arabic) Recitation by various reciters
  • Translation in multiple languages and by various translators
  • Audio Translation by verse
  • Tafseer or English Commentary 
  • Unlimited number of bookmarks – very handy for research
  • Auto Scroll Capabilities
  • Audio options include speed of recitation, interval time and repeat for memorization 
  • Bookmark Synchronisation through iCloud
  • Sharing options include Tweet/Email or Saving as image
  • Available on iPad, iPhone and Web App

The only feature missing is a note-taking function which would probably make it the ultimate Quran App for me. The Free version has some restrictions on the number of languages, reciters and a few other features but is fully functional. The full version costs $9.99 which may seem high but, in my opinion is worth every cent.

Having an App like this at the touch of a button allows me to study and explore the meanings of the Quran easily and more frequently than ever before. I believe it is a great tool to facilitate a better understanding of the Quran in general as well as in your Salaah. Understanding what you recite can be the difference between a ritual prayer and a prayer of serenity, humility and devotion… In Sha Allah. 

I pray that we are able to benefit from programs like this and that Allah grant Barakah and success in these initiatives. Technology is major part of our lives, why not use it to better our after-lives.

(This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect. (Quran 38:29)

Remember the Quran… and the milk!

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

As part of my Ramadhan prep this year I’ve been looking at ways to increase Quran recitation each day. By spending more time at the mosque lately, I’ve had the opportunity to read Quran more than just once a day which naturally allows me to read more through the day. I’ve tried in the past and tried again recently to use one of the many Quran apps available to recite just about anywhere, anytime while keeping track of my progress each day. Some of the apps are really awesome and allow clear arabic text, english translation, notes and a bookmarks so you know exactly where you’re up to. The main advantage of these apps is the convenience and the progress tracking which is handy, especially when you’re reading at different times and in different places each day.

For some reason I can not find comfort in reading on a screen and scrolling through the text. As convenient as it is, I find the experience of reciting Quran on my iPhone or iPad very unusual and slightly un-natural. I grew up reading Quran the old-fashioned way and nothing can beat the familiarity and comfort in holding the Mus-haf (Compiled pages of the Quran or Kitab). I’ve been reading Quran in the same mus-haf for 12 years and no app can give you that feeling of familiarity and tranquility. The worn pages, scribblings and date markings add a dimension no technology can emulate but since I can’t carry my mus-haf everywhere, I needed a solution that allowed me to read in any mus-haf, anywhere I went while still keeping track of my progress.

I’ve been using an app called ‘Remember The Milk’ to manage my projects, emails, task list and priorities and after a few tweaks I found the perfect solution. This is what Remember the Quran looks like in my Remember the Milk app…

Remember The Quran

I’ve set it to recur everyday so I’ll have a daily reminder to ‘Read Quran’ and the notes section allows me to keep track of my progress which I can update any time I read, any where I read. It’s working well so far and I’m looking forward to really testing out through Ramadhan InshaAllah. Just love it when technology and religion come together. Alhamdulillah for Muslim Productivity.