Now, here’s something you haven’t heard of: A halal version of Internet

New Delhi: A Malaysian tech startup has introduced SalamWeb, a mobile Internet browser designed to provide a Muslim-friendly Internet experience that is compliant with Islamic values. The browser will alert users about to visit a page containing material relating to alcohol, gambling, pornography, prostitution and other vices prohibited by the religion. The eventual goal of the company is to draw 10 percent of the 1.8 billion world Muslim population to SalamWeb.

Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, managing director at Salam Web Technologies MY Sdn, says the app, which is directed for users in Malaysia and Indonesia, will include messaging, news and other features.

"We want to make the Internet a better place," Hasni Zarina said. "We know the Internet has the good and the bad, so SalamWeb offers you a tool to create this window that lets you go to the Internet to see the good."

Community-vetted content filters

Depending on community-vetted content filters, the mobile browser will mark web pages as appropriate, neutral or inappropriate. The app also warns users when they approach internet websites considered unethical as per the Sharia law.

Sharia law forbids activities like businesses related to alcohol and pork, gambling, prostitution and interest-based financial products.

Furthermore, the app will include Muslim-specific functions such as setting a time for prayers and an indicator for Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the ideal direction that Muslims must face while praying.