In the quest to enhance the spirituality of Muslims through technology, hundreds of Muslim professionals in the tech industry gathered to brainstorm on beneficial ways to use technology.
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The Muslim Tech Expo was convened by Barnaamaj founded by Ibrahim Salami and Abdur Raheem Abdus Sobur. Barnaamaj is a tech startup that connects prospective Muslims who want to perform pilgrimage to the holy lands to licensed and trusted Hajj and Umrah agencies.

The tech experts met and connected at the maiden edition of the ‘Muslim Tech Expo’, MTE 1.0 featuring exhibitions from companies like Stecs, Dhikr posters, Cowrywise, Marble Capital and Halalvest, among others to showcase halal tech products.
   
During a panel session titled: ‘Digital detox: using technology mindfully to maintain personal and spiritual growth’, the founder of Spa Pampering at Home, Ustadh Abdul Kabir Nasir Al-Asfar, stated that Digital detox refers to a period in which an individual refrains from using electronic devices and breaks dependence on technology.

According to him: “Social media buys something from us, although they are said to be free, they buy our attention and in Islam, our time is essential. So, we should use our social media and technology, but not at the expense of ibadah (worship).”
 
He commended the organisers for bringing together Muslim professionals to connect and address digital detoxification. He said: “I am impressed with this kind of gathering, where you see Muslims come around and discuss issues of this nature. It shows that we are not outside the development drive in the world. This is the trajectory of the world, we are not just in the digital age, we are now in the AI age, so seeing Muslims represented is a thing of joy.”
 
 He added: “Our world is now being governed by tech. Our banking, our da’wah, and even acts of worship such as our salat. So, we can do a lot of things as Muslims in tech. We can offer finances that can be devoid of haram (among others).
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“If we say Nigeria is not a Muslim country, but hypothetically about half of its population are Muslims, that’s about 100 million people, a huge customer base. So, there’s a lot to do for the Muslims; finance, healthcare, just think about it. So, this is an avenue for Muslims to come together to rub minds for the good of the ummah.”
  
IT consultant and former SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology, Mr Balogun emphasised the importance of the event to Muslims, stating “it’s an awakening to Muslims to take up their responsibilities and take action to make themselves better of living a healthier life and a purpose-driven technological life.
 
“Muslims are just part of the people in the tech space, so it is what others are doing that we should do. But, of course, our goal is to make better families and a better nation. We need to learn, unlearn, relearn and improve on what we do for a better nation.”
 
A social media expert, Zuliat Ibraheem, noted that Muslims should not discuss digital detox with children less than age 16.  She said: “A child less than age 16 should not digital detox, such children should rather be restricted to the use of digital devices and social media. They should not even have social media handles.”Keynote speaker, the Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Professor Musa Aibinu, urged Muslim professionals to prepare for the future.

“Muslims cannot be left behind but be prepared for the future.”
 Other speakers at the event included co-founder and CEO of Cowrywise, Mr Razaq Ahmed, a seasoned engineer and Tech Lead, and Mr Kazeem Noibi, founder/CEO of Yalla.ng, Mr Sheriff Bakare and founder of Nimah Andre Foundation, Ms Iresalewa Muhammad-Bello, among others.
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