A free Android app that brings the Quran, Shia hadith collections, prayer times and a dual Hijri‑Gregorian calendar together for offline use.
What is Thaqalayn – Shia Companion?
Thaqalayn – Shia Companion, developed by the Thaqalayn Foundation, is a free Android application that gathers core Islamic resources for Shia Muslims in a single, offline‑first package. The app combines the Qur’an, a large library of Shia hadith, prayer‑time calculations, a Qibla finder, and a dual calendar, allowing users to access essential religious material without an internet connection.
Main features
- Qur’an reader: All 114 surahs are available with the Uthmani script. Users can switch between Arabic, transliteration and several English translations, adjust font size and bookmark verses for later reference.
- Hadith library: The app includes a broad selection of Shia hadith from the most widely accepted collections. Each entry shows the Arabic text, an English translation and, where available, grading information.
- Prayer times: Accurate prayer times are calculated based on the user’s location. Multiple calculation methods are supported, and notifications can be set for each of the five daily prayers.
- Qibla compass: A built‑in compass uses the device’s sensors to point toward the Kaaba, helping users find the correct direction for prayer wherever they are.
- Dua collection: Over 70 supplications are organized by category, covering daily prayers, Ramadan, ziyarat and more. Arabic text and English translations are provided.
- Islamic calendar: A dual Hijri‑Gregorian calendar displays major Islamic dates, including commemorations and birthdays, with colour‑coded markers for quick identification.
- Widgets: Home‑screen widgets let users see the next prayer time, a daily hadith or the current Islamic date without opening the app.
How it works
All content is stored locally on the device after the initial installation, which means the app works fully offline. When an internet connection is available, the app can check for updates to the library and download them in the background. The user interface is designed for easy navigation: a bottom menu provides quick access to the Qur’an, Hadith, Prayer Times, Duas and Calendar sections.
Practical uses
- Reading the Qur’an or studying hadith during travel, when network access may be limited.
- Getting accurate prayer times and Qibla direction in any location, useful for daily worship.
- Referencing the Islamic calendar to plan events, fasts or commemorations.
- Using the dua collection for personal supplications or group prayers.
Installation information
The app can be installed from the Google Play Store using the package name com.thaqa.book_app. It is free to download and does not require a subscription. After installation, the initial data set is downloaded automatically; this may take a few minutes depending on the device’s connection speed.
Things to know before installing
- The app does not require root access or special permissions beyond standard storage and location services for prayer‑time calculations.
- Because the content is stored locally, it will occupy device storage; the exact size varies with language packs and optional updates.
- Updates are delivered through the Play Store, so keeping the app up to date ensures the latest texts and calendar data.
Who may find it useful?
Anyone looking for a comprehensive, offline Shia Islamic resource on Android will benefit from Thaqalayn – Shia Companion. It is especially handy for students of Islamic studies, travelers, and users who prefer to keep religious texts readily available without relying on constant internet access.