FAQ: One Digital Quran Per Child (ODQPC)

Frequently asked questions about One Digital Quran Per Child.

What is this vision all about?

I've got this idea from the existing project of OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) from http://www.laptop.org Its basically a vision to provide a potent learning tool created expressly for the world's poorest children living in its most remote environments. They are trying to produce very cheap laptop (under US$100) for these children.

So how similar are the OLPC vision to Zoosware's ODQPC vision?

3 simililarities. Children, technology and cheap gadget. ODQPC stands for One Digital Quran Per Child

Please explain.

Our young Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world shouldn't be deprived of the benefits of technology. The prevalance of technology has helped us in so many ways. Thus we should make use of the latest technology for dakwah. Read this interesting article from Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia.

In the article, the writer mentioned, "Much has been said about the need for Muslims to master technology, but unfortunately little has been done about it. As a result, we see Muslims of today being belittled and left behind in all areas. Muslims must realise that knowledge and technology will benefit the Muslim world at large.

He also added, "In Verse 125 of Surah al-Nahl of the Quran, God says to the effect that: "Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His path, and who receive guidance".

Using technology for dakwah is in line with using wisdom and beautiful preaching in dakwah as mentioned in the verse. The advancement of technology also demands that the audience be techno-savvy as well.

Tools such as the palmtop and the personal digital assistant (PDA) should be used by audience of a religious lecture to take down notes. Listening alone is not sufficient. Research has shown that to fully understand what is being taught, one must listen and jot down what one hears. This, unfortunately, is rarely done by Muslims when it comes to learning."

I still don't get your point?

The point is, it is my biggest dream to be able to manufacture cheap hardware (PDA like) that will have the features of Zoosware's Mobile Holy Quran software for Windows Mobile built-in. It will allow the user to read the Holy Quran and use the PDA functions. But most importantly be able to assist those who wants to learn how to read the Holy Quran.

There are so many digital gadget available in the market, from MP3s to mobile phones and digital camera and even devices that has all 3 or more functions in one device. The prices are declining by the months and the technology gets better. I don't see why we can't have more and more good quality gadgets that allows our present and future Muslim generations to use. There are good standalone Digital Quran in the Market as shown below. But their features can be greatly improved.

Give us more details about this dream gadget of yours.

Just like the OLPC, the proposed features will be minimal. No frills like bluetooth and Wifi to cut down cost. It can be a basic Windows Mobile PDA and preloaded with Zoosware's Mobile Holy Quran software for Windows Mobile or it could have its own operating system. It MUST be cheap and affordable, so that ALL Muslim could own it, just like any Paperback Holy Quran.

Can you give us a glimpse of the design?

A possible design could look like this. OK its not green like the OLPC but its like an iPod! :)

Where do you go from here?

This vision will go no where if it doesn't get the proper support. If you have read this website, and you think this idea can go further or you know any organisations or any individuals who can make this vision closer to reality, please drop me an email. I'm happy to get any kind of ideas, encouragement and support. Thank you.