Technology Changes How Muslims Celebrate Eid

Billions of Muslims worldwide would be busy over the next few days celebrating Eid ul Fitri, marking the end of Ramadan. In today’s tech-savvy world, Muslims are changing how they celebrate Eid with the help of smartphones and apps.

During this year’s Ramadan, there was a significant increase in app downloads as Muslims are increasingly turning to their phones to shop or simply search for information.

According to Appsflyer 2019 Market Insights, app installation rate grew up to 26 per cent in 2018 in Muslim-friendly countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Travel, social and messaging apps are among the popular downloads during and after Ramadan, followed by shopping apps.

Convenience of technology

Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia are using the technology to monitor traffic on apps like Waze. Many depended on such apps to identify traffic patterns and avoid major traffic congestions when travelling home to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.

Despite technology’s stigma of creating boundaries with less intimate and personal interactions, Muslims are actually using technology to be closer with their families and friends during the festive season.

Also read: Celebrating Eid in Singapore, As Told by the HalalZilla Team

Staying in touch with technology

The use of messaging apps to send Eid wishes is another way technology has changed how Muslims celebrate Eid. Traditionally, Muslims would send greeting cards as a way to send well wishes. But recently, more people are using texting services such as WhatsApp to send their Eid wishes. Some are applauding such changes as it helps reduce paper wastage.

Furthermore, these social apps allow loved ones to stay in touch during Eid ul Fitri. Popular apps such as Skype, Facetime and others allow for easy communication that enhances interaction beyond the limitations of text messaging and phone calls.

Also, social media platforms are often used as a tool to keep each other updated. Whether it’s sharing pictures or updating their blogs, Muslims are using the Internet to reconnect with each other.

Popular search engine giant, Google, has reported search spikes during both Ramadan and Eid. It is reported that Muslims are increasingly using the Internet to look up for food recipes or cooking tutorials to prepare for Eid.

There’s a 28 per cent and 35 per cent increase in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively on YouTube. Such searches are usually done when planning to welcome guests for the festive season.

Technology is not just for enjoyment. It’s also being adapted to make sure Muslims with disabilities are able to celebrate Eid. Such apps like Deria Takbir transforms real-time sound waves into visual and tactile feedback. This would allow those with hearing impairments to listen to the Eid Takbir. Despite the core practices of Eid ul Fitri still being practised, technology has allowed for the celebrations to be more inclusive.

Also read: Does The Real Purpose of Eid Still Shine Through Today?