Ramadan Kareem: 6 ways these tech platforms can help you celebrate the Holy Month

Ramadan is a holy month that Muslims observe all around the world. It is a time for reflection, fasting, prayer, and community. With the help of Google and YouTube, celebrating Ramadan has become even easier and more enjoyable.

A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

However, depriving oneself of nourishment and abstaining from certain pleasures before the sun sets can be very tough during the month of fasting. With this in mind, Google has created different means to make the month easier and more spiritual.

From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, Africans can access a wealth of information and resources to make the most of this special time. Here are six ways that Google and YouTube can help you celebrate Ramadan in Africa:

Celebrate Ramadan’s Joy with Colors and Greetings:

Simply search for “Ramadan 2023” in your language on Google, and you will have access to all the information related to this month, including prayer times, recipes, and more. You can also find articles on Ramadan etiquette, recipes, and greetings to help you easily navigate the holiday.

Additionally, you can access greeting cards online to share with your loved ones, and scroll through the Ramadan colouring book on Google Arts & Culture to engage your inner artist and colour beautiful artwork to share with family and friends. 

Set Reminders for prayer times with Google Assistant

With Google Assistant, you can set reminders for prayer times throughout the day, making it easier to stay on track during the holy month. Simply ask Google Assistant to set a reminder for the next prayer time, and you’ll receive a notification when it’s time to pray. You can customise the reminders to fit your schedule so you never miss a prayer.

Ramadan Kareem: 5 Ways Tech Can make Ramadan Easier for Your Body and Soul

Google Assistant can provide inspirational quotes and spiritual guidance to help you stay focused and connected during the holy month. 

Shop what you see with Google Lens

Using the camera on your phone, you can search for a delicious dessert you’ve tried at your friend’s house or find your next favourite decoration item to buy during Ramadan. You can open the Google app on your phone, tap on the camera icon, and use Google Lens to snap a photo or screenshot. With Google Lens, you can easily find exact or similar results to shop from or explore for inspiration. 

Watch Ramadan-related videos on YouTube:

YouTube is a great resource for learning more about Ramadan. You can find videos on preparing traditional foods, fasting tips, and spiritual practices related to Ramadan. There are also numerous Ramadan vlogs and routines videos, where you can follow along with content creators’ daily activities and experiences during the holy month. 

Use Google Maps to find local mosques and halal restaurants

Google Maps is a valuable tool for finding local mosques and halal restaurants during the holy month. You can search for mosques in your area or around you and get directions to join in community prayers. You can also search for halal restaurants near you to break your fast with delicious and authentic cuisine.

Additionally, Google Maps can help you navigate unfamiliar areas when travelling to different cities or countries during the holy month. With Google Maps, you can easily plan your activities and explore new places. Plus, you can read reviews and ratings from other users to help you make informed decisions about where to go. 

Browse Google shopping guide for inspiration

To help you prepare for the holy month, Google has created a Ramadan Shopping Guide that collects trending products helpful during the holiday. When we analysed search and shopping trends, we found common themes related to home decoration, like Ramadan lanterns, which grew 20% yearly.

You can browse through the guide for inspiration and find new ideas for decorating your home, preparing for Iftar, or giving gifts to your loved ones during the holiday. 

We hope this period brings you and your loved ones joy — and that these tools help you find the information you need to make the most of this special time of the year.