Ramadan in the digital age: Digital tools enhance spiritual observance

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

In the quiet moments before dawn, as Muslims around the world prepare for their pre-fasting meal, or suhoor, the familiar glow of smartphone screens has become as common as the call to prayer. Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, reflection, and community, has entered the digital age, with technology reshaping how Muslims observe this sacred time. From apps that track prayer times to virtual iftars connecting families across continents, the intersection of faith and innovation is creating new ways to experience Ramadan in 2025.

Prayer and Fasting, One Notification at a Time

For many Muslims, technology has become an indispensable tool for managing the spiritual and logistical demands of Ramadan. Apps like Muslim Pro and Al-Quran have surged in popularity, offering features such as prayer time reminders, Quranic recitations, and fasting trackers. These apps often use GPS to provide accurate prayer times based on the user’s location, ensuring that even those in remote or non-Muslim-majority areas can stay connected to their faith. In 2025, artificial intelligence has further enhanced these tools, with some apps now offering personalized reminders for suhoor and iftar based on the user’s sleep patterns or dietary preferences.

Beyond timing, technology has also made Islamic education more accessible. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok host a growing number of Islamic scholars and influencers who share daily Ramadan reflections, Quranic tafseer (exegesis), and tips for spiritual growth. For younger Muslims, these bitesized, visually engaging videos have become a go-to resource, bridging the gap between traditional religious education and modern media consumption.

Virtual Connections in a Global Ummah

Ramadan has always been a time for community, with families and friends gathering to break their fasts together. However, for those separated by distance—migrant workers, students studying abroad, or families spread across time zones—technology has become a lifeline. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet have made virtual iftars a staple of the holy month. In 2025, advancements in virtual reality (VR) are taking this a step further, with some families using VR headsets to “sit” together at a shared digital table, complete with simulated mosque ambiances or traditional Ramadan decorations.

Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) also play a significant role, allowing Muslims to share their Ramadan experiences with a global audience. Hashtags like #Ramadan2025 and #DigitalRamadan trend annually, featuring everything from elaborate iftar recipes to charity drives. These platforms have also become spaces for interfaith dialogue, with non-Muslims joining conversations to learn more about the holy month.

Giving Back Through Digital Zakat

Charity, or zakat, is a cornerstone of Ramadan, and technology has streamlined the process of giving. Mobile payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and local apps such as M-Pesa in Kenya allow Muslims to donate to mosques, humanitarian organizations, or individuals in need with just a few taps. Blockchain technology, increasingly adopted in 2025, is also making zakat more transparent, with some charities using decentralized ledgers to show donors exactly how their contributions are being used.

Crowdfunding platforms have further amplified the spirit of giving. Muslims can now contribute to global causes, such as providing iftar meals for refugees or funding clean water projects in underprivileged communities. These platforms often integrate social media, allowing donors to share campaigns and inspire others to give, creating a ripple effect of generosity.

Balancing Tech and Tradition

While technology offers countless benefits, some Muslims worry that the digital age risks diluting the spiritual essence of Ramadan. The constant notifications, social media scrolling, and screen time can distract from the month’s focus on mindfulness and devotion. To address this, many are turning to digital detox strategies, such as setting app limits or designating tech-free hours during taraweeh prayers or Quranic reading.

Religious leaders are also encouraging Muslims to use technology mindfully. In a recent sermon shared on Instagram, a prominent imam from Cairo advised his followers to “let technology serve your faith, not replace it.” This sentiment is echoed by apps like Forest, which gamify focus by rewarding users for staying off their phones during prayer or reflection time.

Looking Ahead: A Tech-Savvy Ramadan

As Ramadan continues to evolve in the digital age, the fusion of faith and technology shows no signs of slowing down. In 2025, emerging tools like augmented reality (AR) are beginning to offer immersive experiences, such as virtual tours of holy sites like Mecca and Medina, allowing Muslims who cannot make the pilgrimage to feel closer to these sacred spaces. Meanwhile, AI-powered chatbots are being developed to answer religious questions, providing instant guidance on fasting rules or prayer etiquette.

For Muslims worldwide, the challenge lies in harnessing these innovations while preserving the timeless traditions of Ramadan. Whether it’s using an app to find the nearest mosque or joining a virtual iftar with loved ones, technology is not just changing how the holy month is observed—it’s expanding the ways in which Muslims can connect, give, and grow spiritually. As the crescent moon rises each year, the digital glow of Ramadan will only continue to shine brighter.