Prayer rug links high-tech, spiritual worlds

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.

The device: Aboulsaadat has designed a prototype of a digital device called eRug that Muslims can use 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.

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."

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 (devout 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.

The operating system tells the software where in the world the eRug is in relation to Mecca and the electronic compass helps determine the right direction to pray.

Religious sensitivity: A prayer device must respect the religion's rules – otherwise it would be rejected by religious authorities and the devout alike. So 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.

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