Kamal Ali
Kamal Ali | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Newport, Wales[1] |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Design (BA Hons), Product Design (Masters), Teacher of Design Technology (PGCE) |
| Alma mater | Bath Spa University, University of South Wales, University of Warwick |
| Occupation | Product designer |
| Notable work | My Salah Mat |
Kamal Ali is a British Bangladeshi entrepreneur and the founder of the educational product, My Salah Mat.[2] He is known for his contribution to the field of Islamic education by inventing the smart interactive Muslim prayer mat.[3]
Career
After completing his studies, Kamal began to develop an anti-theft ihram belt in 2008.[4] This was designed for people traveling for Hajj.[5] This led to him launching the brand Hajj Safe, a company that designs and manufactures anti-theft ihram belts. At this time he was a teacher by profession.[6]
After the success of Hajj Safe, Kamal Ali started working on an educational tool that would help young children learn about Salah in an engaging and interactive manner.[1] This led him to conceptualize and create the My Salah Mat which is a prayer mat designed for children that uses interactive technology to teach children to learn to pray in a fun and interactive way.[7] The prayer mat utilizes touch-sensitive sensors and built-in audio to guide children through the various steps of Salah, including positions and recitations.[8]
Ali’s product gained widespread recognition and popularity within the Muslim community, both locally and internationally.[9][1]
In 2014, Ali campaigned to renovate Pill Park for his son's safety. Despite some cleanup by Newport City Council, Ali remains disappointed due to lingering broken glass. He emphasizes the need for CCTV and monitoring. The council acknowledges the concerns and plans to revise park inspections. Ali's efforts highlight community engagement, addressing poor facilities, littering, and drug paraphernalia.[10]
In 2022, Ali was honoured as a finalist for the Welsh Global Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.[11] In 2023, Kamal was selected as a finalist by the Welsh First Minister for the St David Awards, the most prestigious award in Wales in the category of Innovation, Science and Technology.[12][13]
References
- ^ a b c Hanif, Andleeb (6 February 2023). "Asian Express Newspaper - Creative heart: How a father made the world's first patented interactive prayer mat". Asian Express Newspaper.
- ^ Hill, Jonathon (29 January 2023). "Welsh entrepreneur built an international company from a tiny office". WalesOnline.
- ^ "Interactive prayer mat made in Wales goes viral in Middle East". BBC News. 12 July 2022.
- ^ "DeenTalk: My Salah Mat Story - Brother Kamal Ali on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts.
- ^ "What's Wales Worth? Growing exports despite recession". BBC News. 10 June 2013.
- ^ Barnato, Katy (25 September 2015). "Deadly stampede at Mecca highlights dangers of hajj". CNBC.
- ^ "The graduate who is revolutionising the way Islamic prayer is taught to children". University of South Wales.
- ^ Smith, Lewis (13 October 2020). "Welsh dad's interactive prayer mat is a hit across the Muslim world". WalesOnline.
- ^ "Welsh company's interactive prayer mat goes viral thanks to export success". www.gov.wales. 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Dad 'disappointed' with Pill Park clean-up effort". South Wales Argus. 17 July 2014.
- ^ Hill, Jonathon (29 January 2023). "Welsh entrepreneur built an international company from a tiny office". WalesOnline.
- ^ "Hospice volunteer, former teacher, and teen snooker champ among Gwent awards nominees". South Wales Argus. 9 March 2023.
- ^ "Kamal Ali Nominated for Innovation, science and technology award". www.gov.wales. 24 April 2023.
