Technology and social media throughout the years have influenced how people experience and partake in Ramadan in the modern digital world. Muslims in different parts of the world are using sophisticated gadgets and innovation to enhance their experience of the holy month of Ramadan or at least try to compensate for the restrictions and limitations that the coronavirus pandemic brings forward through virtual means: from virtual meetings and online lectures to social networks where campaigns are conducted, and communities where various activities are launched. Given this view, it is evident that technology remains a vital component in the definition of the practices, rituals, and traditions of Muslims in the contemporary world during the fasting of Ramadan.
### Virtual Gatherings and Iftar
If one familiar trend could be associated with Ramadan in the age of digital technology, then it would be the phenomenon of organizational meetings or virtual iftar. As a result, the use of new technologies such as web applications like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, Muslims are binding with family, friends and community members through virtual iftar. In matched virtual iftar programs people have been provided with the opportunity of feeling connected and share meals together, greet each other, and think together through communal prayers and reflections in their homes.
### Online Lectures and Religious Education
In the same perspective, technology has also transformed the way people acquire religious information or knowledge and education during the holy month of Ramadan. Islamic scholars and Islamic centers initiate online classes and webinars, which covers the topics like Tafseer, Fiqh, and Taqleed, and Islamic personalities’ development sessions. Such virtual platforms allow a person to study certain religion in details, consult with scholars, and discuss religious issues with people around the world, no matter the time difference.
### Social Media Campaigns and Community Outreach
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and You tube are among the most useful social media that can be used in sharing the message concerning Ramadan as well as supporting community outreaches.
### Digital Quran and Prayer Apps
Technology has therefore emerged as an important component of Islamic activities during the month of Ramadan to most of the Muslims. Social networks and applications available for smartphones and Web-tools provide numerous means for everyday worship and spiritual Fayzh, like reading the Quran, knowing the time for the ritual prayer, and invoking. iQuran, Muslim Pro, and Salaat First is apps that allow users to have translations, audio versions, prayer schedules, and reminders on prayer times, if they are on the move and cannot access the mosque or the masjid.
### Live Streaming of Taraweeh Prayers
In a similar way, it has impacted the deliveries of Taraweeh prayers via live streaming from mosques all across the globe. In recent years, social media live streaming services such as; Face book Live, Instagram Live, and YouTube Live enabled Muslims fulfill part of taraweeh prayers by being prayed for even if they cannot attend physically due to other commitments or distances. Virtual presence allows people to feel the spirit of praying and learning in the mosque, listen to the beautiful recitation of the holy Quran, and even pray together with others.
### Digital Ramadan Calendars and Planning Tools
Technology has also eased the process of planning and scheduling of all programs and events that are associated with the month of Ramadan. Use of electronics calendars, schedules, and reminder applications makes it easier for the individuals to stay on track and give emphasis on the religious undertakings within the one month period of Ramadan. These technologies allow the users to plan prayer times, feeding time, the charity events, and group activities, making the followers have the best time of the Ramadan.
### Challenges and Opportunities
The use of technology thus brings a lot of advantages in terms of feeling and sharing the ICT enabled Ramadan but also a few limitations and concerns. Hazarat’s purpose of fasting and self purification may also be hindered by use of technology as it leads to cumbersome distractions through; Information attack, cyber harassment, cyber bullying and unleashing of negativity online thus reducing the chances of attaining spirituality during the holy month. However, there are concerns that access to technology for example, and digital communications skills may widen inequalities in involvement among Muslims.
Nevertheless, this is where technology becomes a revolutionary way of increasing the availability, accessibility and overall and effective participation of Muslims in the matter of Ramadan. When using technology for spiritual mindfulness, collective involvement, and, thus, the social purpose, Muslims can expand their experience of Ramadan and get individuals and groups united spiritually and emotionally around the world.
### Conclusion
Altogether, one can underline that, in the context of the modern world, Ramadan is closely connected with technology and social platforms. Web conferences, distance learning, Hashtag initiatives, and means of technological communication provide new platforms for togetherness and learning during Ramadan. Muslims in different parts of the globe can make technology a way to enhance their spirituality, promote their solidarity and help others during Ramadan. Thus, technology will be the essential part of the unfolding Ramadans and will contribute to enhancing the unifying idea of religious tolerance and compassion among the believers of the entire world.