Digital Prayer 'e-rug' review
Thursday, August 13, 2009 Read more → muslim designers, prayer, reviews, salah prayer, technology In the name of God, entirely Compassionate, especially Merciful | Peace be with you
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ Peace be with you السلام عليكم
"eRug has built-in sensors that alert the user to prayer time." (2008)
Name: Wael Aboulsaadat
Age: 36
Program: Fourth-year PhD student, department of computer science at the University of Toronto.
Thesis: Computer user interfaces for religious practice.
It's probably old news now but I found this to be highly interesting...
The e-rug prayer device was designed by Aboulsaadat for Muslims to
'enhance their daily prayers'.
The rug has built-in sensors, lights and a display screen to show scripture, alert the user to the next prayer time and find the direction of Mecca. "It will increase their understanding of the scriptures and the quality of the prayer," says Aboulsaadat.
The need: "People of all religions could use a device that would enhance their prayers," Aboulsaadat says. Catholics learning their catechism, a Buddhist wanting deeper meditation, a Jew studying the Torah – all could benefit from a digital device that would remind, correct and allow for customization. The elderly and those with cognitive and memory disabilities are other target groups.
Aboulsaadat hopes to develop devices for all major religions but because he is Muslim he decided to start with the eRug first. This is an exciting new Muslim Product that will fit into the niche of Muslims' lifestyles on-the-go and help develop personal teaching for converts.
Questions arise on the practicality of the e-Rug however. As a one off prototype no doubt batch or mass production will reduce its price, but how much? The wave of digital Qurans and watches hasn't hit the mainstream in the same impact a television has, so will the e-Rug fade into the background as another obsolete niche? Here's hoping not, insha'Allah.
How it works: The sensors embedded in the rug can detect the user's posture and if the worshipper makes an error (such as missing or adding a step in the prayer sequence) the sensors will vibrate. It's a subtle way to help correct the error without breaking the user's concentration, Aboulsaadat says. "It's important not to interrupt flow, because that interrupts the focus of prayer." As well, the user can recite and follow along with the scripture on the screen. "You can customize and choose which prayers to read."
This will be a great tool for travelling Muslims and women in particular - finding a spot on the planet to pray the correct way won't be as great a hassle. As Aboulsaadat says, this could become a support rug for salah as well as independent learning for new Muslims.
Three modes: In addition to the eRug's prayer mode, the device also has a notification mode that alerts the user to upcoming prayer times (Muslims are expected to pray five times a day facing the direction of the holy city of Mecca) and important religious holidays. The eRug's third mode acts like a compass – complete with a 3D model of the mosque in Mecca – so the user can find its direction wherever he or she may be.
Aboulsaadat is creating the eRug in consultation with an Islamic scholar to make sure the eRug adheres to Islam's practices. For example, there are specific rules about handling the Qur'an, but it's not an issue with the eRug because its display screen is only displaying the scriptures and is not considered to be the holy book itself. Hmm.
Here's wishing the product and Aboulsaadat the best with this. I'll use my travel size plastic sheet and pocket-compass for now...
Peace & respect ★
"eRug has built-in sensors that alert the user to prayer time." (2008)
Name: Wael Aboulsaadat
Age: 36
Program: Fourth-year PhD student, department of computer science at the University of Toronto.
Thesis: Computer user interfaces for religious practice.
It's probably old news now but I found this to be highly interesting...
The e-rug prayer device was designed by Aboulsaadat for Muslims to
'enhance their daily prayers'.
The rug has built-in sensors, lights and a display screen to show scripture, alert the user to the next prayer time and find the direction of Mecca. "It will increase their understanding of the scriptures and the quality of the prayer," says Aboulsaadat.
The need: "People of all religions could use a device that would enhance their prayers," Aboulsaadat says. Catholics learning their catechism, a Buddhist wanting deeper meditation, a Jew studying the Torah – all could benefit from a digital device that would remind, correct and allow for customization. The elderly and those with cognitive and memory disabilities are other target groups.
Aboulsaadat hopes to develop devices for all major religions but because he is Muslim he decided to start with the eRug first. This is an exciting new Muslim Product that will fit into the niche of Muslims' lifestyles on-the-go and help develop personal teaching for converts.
Questions arise on the practicality of the e-Rug however. As a one off prototype no doubt batch or mass production will reduce its price, but how much? The wave of digital Qurans and watches hasn't hit the mainstream in the same impact a television has, so will the e-Rug fade into the background as another obsolete niche? Here's hoping not, insha'Allah.
How it works: The sensors embedded in the rug can detect the user's posture and if the worshipper makes an error (such as missing or adding a step in the prayer sequence) the sensors will vibrate. It's a subtle way to help correct the error without breaking the user's concentration, Aboulsaadat says. "It's important not to interrupt flow, because that interrupts the focus of prayer." As well, the user can recite and follow along with the scripture on the screen. "You can customize and choose which prayers to read."
This will be a great tool for travelling Muslims and women in particular - finding a spot on the planet to pray the correct way won't be as great a hassle. As Aboulsaadat says, this could become a support rug for salah as well as independent learning for new Muslims.
Three modes: In addition to the eRug's prayer mode, the device also has a notification mode that alerts the user to upcoming prayer times (Muslims are expected to pray five times a day facing the direction of the holy city of Mecca) and important religious holidays. The eRug's third mode acts like a compass – complete with a 3D model of the mosque in Mecca – so the user can find its direction wherever he or she may be.
Aboulsaadat is creating the eRug in consultation with an Islamic scholar to make sure the eRug adheres to Islam's practices. For example, there are specific rules about handling the Qur'an, but it's not an issue with the eRug because its display screen is only displaying the scriptures and is not considered to be the holy book itself. Hmm.
Here's wishing the product and Aboulsaadat the best with this. I'll use my travel size plastic sheet and pocket-compass for now...
Full story here.
Zaufishan - The MisanthropePeace & respect ★
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