Learning the Koran with Artificial Intelligence Technology

Ahmad Kamel designed Qara'a to help independent citizens learn to read the Koran with artificial intelligence technology.

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Ahmad Kamel

Ahmad Kamel (24) was startled upon reading data stating that many Muslims in Indonesia still face difficulties in reading the Quran. This prompted him to design the Qara'a application. Utilizing artificial intelligence technology, he aimed to assist individuals in independently learning how to read the Quran.

Kamel demonstrates how to operate the Qara'a application he developed at a coffee shop in the East Pontianak District, Pontianak City, West Kalimantan on Thursday (3/21/2024). Qara'a can be interpreted as an activity of reading and understanding at the same time.

On one of the features of the Qara'a application, the letter Alif along with its pronunciation appears. After that, the feature asks users to pronounce it.

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Kamel then brings his smartphone close to his mouth and pronounces the letter "Alif". After that, it can be determined whether his pronunciation is correct or not.

"If our reading is correct, five stars will appear," he said.

After that, Kamel wrote the letter Aaif with his finger on his cellphone screen. The application then informed whether the written letter was correct or not. These steps can be repeated multiple times.

"The Qara'a application is expected to contribute to overcoming illiteracy in the Quran. In the future, we hope to collaborate with schools and universities regarding Quranic education," said Kamel.

ISMAIL ZAKARIA

Muslims in the city of Mataram read the Quran after performing the congregational Dhuhr prayer at the Grand Mosque of Hubbul Wathan, the Mataram Islamic Center, in West Nusa Tenggara on Sunday (4/3/2022) afternoon.

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Kamel's love for information technology has emerged since elementary school. It all started when his parents bought him a used, broken computer.

Little Kamel and his older brother tried to mess with him. Successful, the computer works again and is used to play games.

However, playing games without an internet connection is not enjoyable. It requires constantly downloading new games. On the other hand, they do not have enough funds for it.

"Until finally I thought, instead of downloading, why not just make your own game," said Kamel.

Kamel then looked for references on how to make games on the web and Youtube. However, his efforts have not been smooth. Game development is not as simple as he initially thought.

However, this experience sparked another curiosity. He was curious about creating a web after getting to know software engineer (software engineer) and coding (computer programming language).

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Curiosity is what led him to enroll in SMKN 7 Pontianak. There, he began to focus on learning information technology in the Software Engineering department. He interned at a software development company in Pontianak for six months.

The result is positive. Before graduating from vocational high school, he was contacted by the company where he interned. Since 2017, he has been involved in several projects, ranging from survey applications for companies to government agencies.

However, he does not want to use his skills just to make money. He thinks of creating an application that could be useful for many people. After being presented with data showing that many residents still have difficulties in reading the Quran, his choice falls on Qara'a.

"In mid-2020, I found surprising data. The Institute of Quranic Sciences stated that 65 percent of Muslims in Indonesia are still unable to read the Quran," he said.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Muslims read the Quran through mobile applications in Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Friday (22/3/2024). One practical way to read the book is by using an application on a mobile phone.

Concern

Based on that fact, he wants to contribute. Kamel and his team conducted a simple research. Their conclusion is that many people are ashamed to learn because they are old. In addition, they don't have time due to their busy work schedule.

"From that mapping, we chose artificial intelligence (AI) to be the solution," he said.

Through AI, Kamel mentioned that users do not need to directly meet with an ustaz or other person. The hope is that this will cultivate self-confidence first.

"If in the future you want to learn face-to-face with the religious teacher, you don't have to start from scratch. That way, even if you have to repeat it, people won't be embarrassed because they can learn on their own," said Kamel.

Not only does this application provide a reading guide, but it also comes with instructional videos, such as the introduction of letters in the Quran. The purpose is so that people who have never read the Quran before can learn from the beginning.

Currently, there are 22 features in the Qara'a application. In addition to learning to read the Quran, for example, there is a feature to submit verses. In addition to learning with AI, people can also learn with a religious teacher. Someone can submit verses that have been read, and then the teacher will provide feedback within the application.

Not only does this application provide a reading guide, but it also comes with instructional videos, such as the introduction of letters in the Quran. The purpose is so that people who have never read the Quran before can learn from the beginning.

There is also an explanation from an Islamic teacher on each letter from the first to the last and how to read it. Therefore, it is hoped that there is a learning process from the learning experience in the application. Currently, 2.1 million people have downloaded this application.

"Out of 22 features, only one is intentionally made as a subscription, which is Quran learning. The cost is IDR 50,000 per month which is used to fund the operational costs of the application," he said.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Laborers carrying goods on their backs participate in a Quran reading training program at Beringharjo Market in Yogyakarta on Friday (4/8/2022). The training program for these laborers is held every Ramadan. In addition to learning to read the Quran, the laborers also have the opportunity to learn how to recite it and deepen their knowledge of their faith.

Confession

Thanks to the application that he designed, he has received various awards throughout the year 2022. One of them is the 1st Rank of Pioneer Youth in Technology Innovation field in Pontianak City.

He also received an award as a Young Pioneer in the Field of Technological Innovation in West Kalimantan Province and was a finalist in the National Young Pioneer Selection held by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Through diligent learning and sharing, Kamel wants to inspire that there are superior applications from outside Java. "Usually in meetings with clients when we say they are from Kalimantan, they already underestimate. "We have proven that this assumption is wrong," said Kamel.

Place of birth: Pontianak, July 25 2000

Education:

• SMKN 7 Pontianak, Software Engineering Department (Graduated 2018)
• Tanjungpura University, Pontianak, Department of Electrical Engineering (Graduating 2023)

Work:

• Operations Director at PT Kreasi Putra Hotama
• Managing Director at Qara'a