Embracing Language Diversity at Prayers Connect

The Importance of Translations

Reaching a Wider Audience: The initiative to translate Prayers Connect into multiple languages stems from a commitment to serve the global Muslim community. By offering the website in different languages, Prayers Connect aims to be more inclusive and accessible to Muslims around the world, regardless of their native language.

Choosing French as the Starting Point

Recognizing the French Muslim Community: The decision to start with French translation is driven by the substantial presence and importance of the Muslim community in France within the European region. This move acknowledges and respects the linguistic needs of French-speaking Muslims.

Future Language Additions

Expanding Linguistic Frontiers: Prayers Connect plans to include additional languages such as Arabic, German, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Turkish in the coming months, insha-Allah. This expansion strategy is geared towards accommodating the diverse linguistic preferences of Muslims globally.

Community Involvement in Translations

Inviting Community Participation: We are not native to all languages and we understand in our journey we may make unintentional errors despite our well-intention & using cutting-edge technologies. We believe we can make meaningful translations with the help of the native speakers. Hence, Prayers Connect welcomes contributions from the community for translating and verifying content in various languages. This collective effort ensures that the translations are accurate and resonate with users in different parts of the world. Please reach out to get involved.

Looking Forward to A Multilingual Platform for All

The addition of language translations at Prayers Connect is a strategic move to embrace the diversity within the Muslim community. This enhancement is not just about adding new languages; it’s about connecting more deeply with Muslims worldwide by acknowledging and respecting their linguistic diversity. As Prayers Connect continues to add more languages, it reinforces its mission to be a universally accessible resource for finding mosques and Islamic resources.

Stay connected with prayersconnect.com for upcoming language updates and learn how you can contribute to this inclusive and expanding global initiative.

A Few Quick Links In French

• Mosquées
• Horaires de prière
• Horaires d’Iqamah
• Ramadan

The post Prayers Connect Expands Global Reach with New Language Translations first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Prayers Connect is all about helping Muslims find and connect with mosques. We’ve got a special system called the Mosque Management System (MMS) that helps mosque leaders keep things updated. Here’s what we’re offering in Singapore:

Find Mosques: You can discover mosques in Singapore.
Manage Mosques: Mosque leaders can use MMS to update photos, schedules, and more.
Prayer Times: We’ll help you get the right prayer times in Singapore.
Calculation Method: We’ve added support for Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) calculation method across our website.
Mobile App: Discover mosques thru our mobile app. MUIS method is coming to the mobile app shortly.

What’s Coming in the Future?

We’re just getting started in Singapore, and we’ve got big plans. We are looking forward to adding more things like Islamic Events. We want to make Prayers Connect better and better for you, so stay tuned!

Who Are We?

We’re Prayers Connect, a nonprofit group from the United States. Our mission is to help Muslims everywhere connect and grow in their faith. We’ve already reached and benefitted Muslims in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many parts of Europe, and now we’re excited to be in Singapore.

The post Our Journey Continues in Asia with Singapore Debut! first appeared on Prayers Connect.

We are a very early adopter of AI technologies. Even before ChatGPT took the world by storm, we were using Github Copilot since the preview. While GitHub CoPilot improved our coding speed, with the arrival of ChatGPT the landscape of our work transformed significantly.

Pre-ChatGPT

As mentioned in the intro, we’ve been using GitHub CoPilot from the very beginning, well before GA. Our speed to code improved significantly as it reduced the amount of time we would need to consult the documentation, and saved a lot of keystrokes by suggesting context-aware codes. Here are two examples that excited us at the very beginning.

• One of the first signs of CoPilot’s capability was when we were writing a pretty big form in React. As we use typescript, we defined the interface first which it helped with auto-completing codes. However, when we completed writing our first input field html it started suggesting the rest of the markup based on the schema. Accuracy and speed blew us out. Hours of boring typing were completed in a couple of minutes.
• We were writing a method to geocode IP addresses. CoPilot auto-completed the line with a service (API call) we were not familiar with. Then we reviewed the site’s offering and found out it is much better than the solution we were planning to use.

There are many other examples where we fall in love with CoPilot almost every day. However, after some time hitting the Tab + Return combination became a little boring as it was suggested only little snippets. Lately, it is suggesting longer snippets but the accuracy of that isn’t as good as it is for smaller snippets.

Arrival of ChatGPT!

Several challenges that we were facing were solved when ChatGPT arrived and took the world by storm. Its wide capability as well as its free tier allowed us to adopt it extensively. Now ChatGPT is a part of our SDLC.

How do we use it?
In the beginning, we use ChatGPT to explore different alternative solutions to a problem. Once we decide on an implementation route, we use it to break down the implementation. We carefully create a prompt and review the proposed solution. If we do not like it or do not consider it accurate, we either regenerate or re-prompt it.

We use code generation by ChatGPT for different languages like Typescript, Ruby, Terraform, and different contexts like Node.js, React-Native, and Ruby on Rails. In addition to solving a particular problem, we use it to write automated tests which is very helpful. ChatGPT (also CodiumAI) quickly writes tests for various edge cases that are likely to be skipped by developers given the time it requires to set up the test. However, one frequent challenge we face is that it forgets the context of our project and writes tests in different tools than what we use. So every now and then, we need to provide it context of our projects.

In addition to programming, we use ChatGPT for content writing by checking grammar, improving writing, etc. Given ChatGPT does not have the latest data, we use Bard for various research especially where we need recent data.

Also, we’ve tried to use tools like AutoGPT but were not very successful in achieving some of our objectives.

AI Image Generation

In the beginning, we were using DALL-E to generate images. However, the speed and quality threw us away. While looking for an alternative, the speed, quality, and price of Fotor. attracted us. However, since we were introduced to MidJourney this is our go-to solution for generating AI images. We use AI-generated images for our articles. Even the cover image of this article is generated by Midjourney.

One thing we regret is that Midjourney can’t be used by other people on the Discord Channel. We would love to use our quota to be able to share with all team members.

If you look at our new landing page, the images of each continent, and country are generated by AI which would, otherwise, take a very long time. Alternatively, it would be cost-ineffective for us to buy so many images. Now our limitation is our imagination prompt’s capability.

Using AI for Videos

We haven’t used AI for video extensively yet. The only experimentation we’ve done so far is using Fliki to create a short video that we’ve published on YouTube.

If you’re not familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, you can consider watching the following video (not made by us).

The post How AI Transformed Our Workflows for the Good! first appeared on Prayers Connect.

What is Qailulah?

The word Qailulah, قيلولة, refers to a short nap or relaxation in the midday. It originated from the Arabic root “qayl” (قيل), which means “to say” or “to rest”. 

It generally means taking some rest or a quick nap during the day. This practice is rooted in mediterranean and middle eastern cultures as well as the arabian peninsula. 

There are numerous instances in Islamic tradition where taking a short nap during the daytime was encouraged, either directly or indirectly. It is noteworthy that Qailulah was a widespread practice among the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Many of the most prominent companions, such as Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Uthman ibn Affan, Anas ibn Malik, and Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), were known to practice midday naps.

Take a brief nap, for verily it refreshes the mind, sharpens the eyesight, and helps one to remain vigilant in worship.

Al-Hakim Al-Mustadrak

Ibn Taymiyyah said it is permissible to take a nap at midday, as long as it is not excessive. Napping at midday is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, and it has many benefits, such as increased alertness and productivity.

Ibn Qayyim said taking a nap at midday is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, and it has many benefits, such as increased alertness and productivity. It is also a way to rest the body and the mind.

The above references demonstrate that qailulah is widely recommended and practiced among the prophet (pbuh) and his companions. This practice continued throughout Islamic history and is still observed in many Muslim-majority countries. Moreover, in some countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, this practice is somewhat institutionalized. Many businesses and government offices in these countries have designated nap times during the workday, recognizing the benefits of rest and rejuvenation for productivity and well-being. The practice of Qailulah is also gaining attention in Western cultures, where it is increasingly recognized as a beneficial way to boost productivity and reduce stress.

What does science say?

There are tons of studies and findings that suggest short naps during the day can improve cognitive function, alertness, and mood, while reducing fatigue and sleepiness. The optimal duration and timing of naps may vary depending on individual factors, but a general recommendation is to nap for 20-30 minutes to avoid entering deeper stages of sleep, which can lead to grogginess upon waking.

Improved productivity & alertness
Taking a short nap during the day can improve productivity and alertness. Studies have shown that even a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to increase cognitive function, attention, and concentration while reducing fatigue and sleepiness.

When we sleep, our brain processes and consolidates information that we have acquired during the day. This helps to clear our minds and enhance our ability to learn, think, and perform cognitive tasks. By taking a nap during the day, individuals can provide their brains with an opportunity to process and consolidate new information, leading to improved cognitive performance.

Improved mood
Taking a short nap during the day can have a significant impact on improving mood and reducing stress levels. Research has found that even a 20-minute nap can help to decrease feelings of tension and fatigue while increasing feelings of relaxation and overall well-being.
During sleep, the brain produces and releases various neurotransmitters and hormones that play a critical role in regulating mood, including serotonin and dopamine. Taking a nap during the day can help to boost the production and release of these mood-regulating chemicals, leading to improved mood and emotional well-being.

In addition, Qailulah can help to reduce the accumulation of sleep debt, which is a common cause of mood disturbances and irritability. By taking a short nap during the day, individuals can refresh their minds and bodies, leading to improved mood, better emotional regulation, and overall better mental health.

Reduced stress and anxiety
Taking a short nap during the day can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When we are stressed, our body produces and releases cortisol, which can lead to a range of negative physical and mental health effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation. Studies have found that napping can help to lower levels of cortisol, leading to reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.
It can also help to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension, leading to further reduction in stress levels. By allowing our body and mind to rest and refresh, we can gain a better perspective on our problems and challenges, leading to decreased feelings of anxiety and worry.

Improved memory
A short nap during the day has also been found to improve memory and learning. Studies have shown that napping can enhance the process of memory consolidation, which is the process of moving information from short-term memory to long-term memory. This helps to clear our minds and enhance our ability to learn, think, and remember. By taking a nap during the day, individuals can provide their brains with an opportunity to process and consolidate new information, leading to improved memory and learning.

In addition, napping can help to reduce interference and confusion that can occur when learning new information. When we are sleep deprived, our brains can become overwhelmed with information, leading to difficulties in learning and memory. By taking a nap during the day, individuals can refresh their minds and improve their ability to process and retain new information.

Overall, scientific evidence suggests that taking a short nap during the day can be an effective way to improve memory and learning. Incorporating Qailulah into daily routines can lead to enhanced memory consolidation, reduced interference and confusion, and improved overall cognitive function. This can lead to greater success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

Improved sleep quality at night
Taking a short nap during the day may have a positive impact on sleep quality at night. By taking a nap during the day, we can reduce the accumulation of sleep debt and lower our cortisol levels, leading to improved sleep quality at night.

Moreover, taking a nap during the day can help to reset our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. By promoting alertness during the day, a short nap can help to promote drowsiness and a more regular sleep schedule at night, leading to improved sleep quality.

Conclusion

As workplaces and societies become increasingly fast-paced and demanding, Qailulah offers a simple and effective way to recharge and enhance performance. By incorporating midday napping into your daily routine, you can improve productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. With a growing body of scientific evidence to support its benefits, Qailulah is poised to become an increasingly popular practice in the modern world.

In recent years, the practice of Qailulah has also gained attention in Western cultures, where it is increasingly recognized as a beneficial way to boost productivity and reduce stress. Some companies in the West have started to provide nap pods or quiet spaces for employees to take short naps during the workday. The growing interest in Qailulah and its benefits has helped to raise awareness about the importance of rest and self-care, not only in Islamic tradition but also in other cultures and societies.

Also, if you look around, you’ll discover this in the animal world where it is not only common but also an essential part of their daily routines.

The post Qailulah – A Simple Islamic Sleep Ritual That Can Improve Your Health first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Prayer times in Islam are not mere indicators of when to perform Salah; they hold a deeper meaning for Muslims. The five daily prayers – Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha – serve as a constant reminder of the Divine and of life’s greater purpose beyond the mundane. They provide a spiritual framework that encourages self-discipline, mindfulness, and a deep connection with Allah. For the Muslim community in London, these prayer times are not only an essential part of their religious practice but also a vital link to their roots, identity, and community.

In London’s Muslim community, various mosques and communities may follow different prayer time calculations. These discrepancies stem from differing interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence and the complexities of astronomical calculations. Factors such as the latitude of London, seasonal changes, and the twilight angle considered for Fajr and Isha can lead to differences in the timing of prayers.

In spite of these differences, a shared commitment to prayer times fosters unity among London’s diverse Muslim population. Whether you’re at the East London Mosque in Whitechapel or the London Central Mosque near Regent’s Park, the act of communal prayer binds individuals together, transcending cultural and ethnic differences.

Prayers Connect, a digital platform, plays an essential role in helping muslims navigate these discrepancies. Prayers Connect provides accurate prayer and Iqamah times for different cities and mosques, taking into account the various methodologies used to calculate these times. This platform enables Muslims in London and elsewhere to stay connected with their faith, ensuring they can fulfill their religious obligations accurately and on time.

In conclusion, Islamic prayer times are an integral part of London’s Muslim community, serving both as a spiritual practice and a source of unity among believers. As London’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, resources such as Prayers Connect will become increasingly vital in maintaining this crucial aspect of their faith.

The post Prayers in a Diverse City: Understanding the Significance and Variance of Islamic Prayer Times in London first appeared on Prayers Connect.

The concepts presented in this article were conceived by ChatGPT, while the images were brought to life using a combination of advanced AI image generators and human artistry. As you immerse yourself in these visually stunning depictions, allow your imagination to soar and appreciate the harmonious fusion of tradition, innovation, and technology.

Byzantine-Inspired Cyber Mosque

Drawing from the rich history of Byzantine art and architecture, this concept combines traditional elements like mosaics, domes, and arches with futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics. The mosque features holographic calligraphy, neon-lit minarets, and a high-tech prayer hall.

Modern Babylonian Mosque

Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian civilization, this concept fuses elements of Babylonian and Assyrian architecture with modern design and technology. The mosque features hanging gardens, ziggurat-inspired structures, and sustainable features such as solar panels and green roofs.

Timurid Techno-Mosque

This concept pays tribute to the Timurid Empire’s architectural legacy while incorporating cutting-edge technology and futuristic design elements. The mosque features a blend of ornate tilework, domes, and minarets with interactive LED displays, smart lighting, and advanced acoustics.

Umayyad Avant-Garde Mosque

Taking inspiration from the Umayyad Caliphate’s architectural heritage, this concept fuses traditional design elements like courtyards, arcades, and geometric patterns with avant-garde materials such as glass, metal, and kinetic sculptures.

Fatimid Fusion Mosque

This mosque concept celebrates the rich history of the Fatimid Caliphate by combining traditional elements like muqarnas, calligraphy, and domes with futuristic design features, such as energy-efficient lighting, advanced air filtration systems, and adaptive building materials.

Abbasid Augmented Reality Mosque

Drawing from the Abbasid Caliphate’s architectural style, this concept integrates traditional Islamic design elements like vaults, arches, and courtyards with augmented reality.

Mamluk Metamorphic Mosque

This concept pays homage to the Mamluk Dynasty’s architectural heritage while incorporating cutting-edge metamorphic materials that change according to environmental conditions. The mosque’s design features stone and brick patterns, decorative calligraphy, and adaptive facades that respond to light and temperature.

Ayyubid Aerodynamic Mosque

Inspired by the Ayyubid Dynasty’s architectural style, this concept combines traditional elements like domes, minarets, and geometric patterns with aerodynamic design principles. The mosque features wind turbines, kinetic sculptures, and streamlined shapes that optimize energy efficiency.

Seljuk Space-Age Mosque

This concept draws from the Seljuk Empire’s architectural legacy and fuses it with space-age aesthetics and technology. The mosque features a blend of traditional design elements like brickwork, minarets, and domes with futuristic materials, such as carbon fiber and nanotechnology.

Ghaznavid Galactic Mosque

Paying tribute to the Ghaznavid Dynasty’s architectural style, this concept combines traditional Islamic design features like geometric patterns, arches, and calligraphy with a galactic theme. The mosque incorporates planetarium-inspired domes, star-like lighting, and holographic displays.

Disclaimer: Please note that the concepts, prompts, and images presented in this article have been generated using artificial intelligence and may not align perfectly with historical facts. This post is intended to showcase the creative capabilities of AI and provide an enjoyable exploration of architectural possibilities. Enjoy the imaginative journey while keeping in mind the limitations of AI-generated content.

The post 10 Imaginary Mosque Designs: Merging Rich History, Present, and Future Through AI-Inspired Concepts first appeared on Prayers Connect.

Qibla

The Qibla is the direction that Muslims face when performing their prayers (Salah). It is oriented towards the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, which is considered the holiest site in Islam. In a mosque, the Qibla is usually indicated by the mihrab, a niche in the wall.

Mihrab

The Mihrab is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the Qibla. It is the focal point in the prayer hall, positioned at the front and center of the mosque. The imam, the prayer leader, stands in front of the mihrab when leading the congregational prayers. The design of the mihrab can range from a simple indentation to an ornately decorated alcove.

Preaching Chair

The Preaching Chair is an additional location where sermons can be delivered, typically situated on the left side of the mihrab. This chair is used when the minbar is not in use. It allows for a more informal address to the congregation, particularly during less formal gatherings or smaller congregations.

Minbar

The Minbar is a pulpit in the mosque where the imam delivers sermons, primarily during the Friday prayer service (Jumu’ah). It is usually located to the right of the mihrab and is often a stepped platform. The minbar serves as a symbolic and physical elevation, enabling the speaker to be seen and heard by the entire congregation.

Muezzin Mahfili

The Muezzin Mahfili is a designated area in the mosque reserved for the muezzin, the individual who calls the faithful to prayer (Adhan). This area can be an enclosed space or a small platform, and it is often surrounded by a wooden or stone fence for privacy. This may be common in certain cultures.

Rahle

The Rahle is a special wooden stand or bench used for holding the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, during recitation. It is designed to make reading more comfortable and is often intricately designed, reflecting the reverence Muslims have for the Qur’an.

Dome

The Dome is a common architectural feature in mosques, although not all mosques have one. It is a hemispherical structure that covers the main prayer hall. The dome serves both a practical and symbolic purpose. On a practical level, it helps with acoustics, ensuring that the imam’s voice carries throughout the mosque. Symbolically, the dome represents the heavens and the universe in Islamic architecture.

Minaret

Minarets are tall, slender towers attached to mosques. Traditionally, the muezzin would climb to the top of the minaret to call the faithful to prayer. Today, loudspeakers are often used for this purpose. The number of minarets can vary, and their design can range from simple, square towers to ornately decorated spires.

Each element of a mosque, from the mihrab and minbar to the dome and minaret, carries a specific purpose and significance. These features not only facilitate the practice of worship but also reflect the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of Islam. Understanding these elements enhances our appreciation of the mosque not just as a place of worship, but as a living testament to the rich history and profound spirituality of the Islamic faith. The design and layout of mosques have evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing needs and artistic expressions of Muslim communities worldwide. However, the fundamental principles and functions remain consistent, providing Muslims with a familiar and comforting space for prayer and community, no matter where they might be in the world.

The post The Architectural Elements and Features of a Mosque first appeared on Prayers Connect.

How does it happen?

Once someone visits our site, we detect their IP address. Because we use Amazon CloudFront to serve our frontend traffic, we need to take extra care to make sure CloudFront forwards the user’s actual IP address. Otherwise, the IP address that we get in the origin server is an IP of the AWS systems. Here is the cloud function that is attached to Viewer Request to preserve the original IP.

function handler(event) {
    var request = event.request;
    var clientIP = event.viewer.ip;

    request.headers['x-user-ip'] = {value: clientIP};

    return request;
}

Once we receive the IP address, we geocode the IP address to get its coordinates, locality name etc. Once all these are retrieved, we redirect to a relevant page.

While all these are working very well so far, we got one problem. Geocoding IP an address takes time and the slowness is almost always embarrassingly noticeable. We were thinking to cache geocoding results. However, we prefer to maintain as less things as possible; especially when we have a better alternative.

CloudFront (CF) Request Headers

CloudFront has the ability to forward viewers’ approximate location info to the origin request. We decided to use this as we won’t have to maintain any caching infra for IP geocoding. As we use terraform to create the CF distribution, all we had to add the forwarding headers to the list like following

forwarded_values {
      query_string = true
      headers      = [
        "Authorization",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Latitude",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Longitude",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Country-Region-Name",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Country",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Country-Name",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-City",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Region-Name",
        "CloudFront-Viewer-Postal-Code",
      ]
    }

In our backend, we actually kept both mechanisms. First, we tap into this ready geo data. If they are not available, we fall-back to legacy IP geocoding. However, when geodata from CF is available, now the page is rendered almost instantly. I hope our users will appreciate this increased speed.

Notes on the landing page

We show landing pages in two cases:

• We do not support the country (yet; as we’re working to be fully global)
• We could not determine the user’s location. Note: For initial routing, we do not use the GeoLocation service.

What’s Next

Currently, the redirection happens from our server. It may be possible to redirect users directly from the cloud function which will improve the experience even further. We’ll investigate that soon.

If this sounds interesting or you have a better idea, consider joining our team as a volunteer.

The post Using CloudFront request headers to speed up page loading first appeared on Prayers Connect.

In addition to the financial support, NABIC will also promote Prayers Connect through its various programs and initiatives. This partnership will allow Prayers Connect to develop tools and technologies for community building, as well as offer internship programs that provide skilled labor opportunities.

NABIC serves the Bangladeshi community in both the United States and Bangladesh through its five main areas of focus: Rehabilitation, Education, Alleviation of Poverty, Community Development, and Healthcare, also known as REACH.

We, Prayers Connect, express our gratitude for NABIC’s belief in our causes and progress, and for their generous contribution.

For more information about NABIC and its projects, visit www.nabic.org.

The post NABIC’s generous contribution to Prayers Connect first appeared on Prayers Connect.

There is very exciting news from our team. After months of preparations, actually traveling to London, data mining & curation, updating our core system, etc. we’ve successfully added the United Kingdom to our supported countries list.

What’s available:

• Mosques
• Iqamah Timing
• Mosque Management System
• Prayer Times (was already available globally)
• Auto-select calculation and juristic methods in the U.K.
• Ability to add Islamic Events (this is self-serve basis only, our data mining team does not capacity to support any country other than USA as of now but any mosque admin can add their own events. Note: We’re working on making the events listing even better).

Examples:

• Mosques near London
• Mosques near Manchester

What’s next:
Our team is currently working on supporting Australia. We’ll announce it very soon, in-sha-Allah!

The post Prayers Connect is in United Kingdom (U.K.) first appeared on Prayers Connect.