Always looking for new technology, we recently discovered Pibb, a new communication utility. We found Kevin Fox online and pulled him aside, Pibb style (you can do this by clicking on a username and having a private chat discussion). Kevin handles Product Development at JanRain, the developers of Pibb, Jyte and MyOpenID. Kevin has graced us with an interview; this the first ever interview discussing Pibb. We are honored with this opportunity to showcase Pibb.

Two things to watch for: an embedded chat here on IslamCrunch and apps for many social network sites.

IslamCrunch challenge: Using Pibb to communicate with others during an Islamic event. Pibb can be used to document what transpires at an event, anyone can log on and read/interact with the attendees.

Here is the interview with Kevin of JanRain:

IslamCrunch: What is your web application/service about?

Pibb is about making it easy for people to communicate online. It has a unique feature set that brings together the familiarity of forums, power of blogs, flexibility of email and convenience of instant messaging all in one browser window.

Pibb is a comprehensive solution for all your communication needs; one-on-one chat, communication backchannel for conferences, support tool, or for community based private/public discussions, Pibb is the answer.

If you have something to say, we want you to ‘Say it on Pibb’.

IslamCrunch: Why did you start this project?

There was a need for an OpenID communications platform to complement our Jyte (claim and credibility engine) and MyOpenID (OpenID account provider) products. The communications space is very interesting and has lots of room for growth.

IslamCrunch: How much time do you devote to its growth?

As much as possible, if you can’t find me on Pibb (https://pibb.com/me/kfox.myopenid.com) there is likely a another JanRain’er who can help on the ‘Pibb Discussion’ channel (http://archive.pibb.com/Pibb+Discussion/General/)

IslamCrunch: How large is your team and what are your backgrounds?

12 people (http://janrain.com/about). Varying backgrounds, I have a Computer Science degree and an MBA, Jason Mckerr has an background in finance and an MBA, tons of awesome engineering talent (Python, Ruby, Perl, Ajax, etc.), Michael Graves and Larry Drebes have both done successful startups in the past.

IslamCrunch: What is your design/service philosophy?

Our goal is to create products that are valuable to people and help to grow communities. Always engage and listen to the community, they are our biggest asset. Our philosophy is to keep things open and make Pibb as intuitive to use as possible. Specifically we want users to own their content and we try to always make it easy for people to get content in and out of Pibb.

IslamCrunch: What technologies are you currently using?

Pibb is built using GWT (Google Web Toolkit), Python, Ruby on Rails

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We are blessed with another exclusive book launch. This time from our friends across the pond at Amal Press. We are honored that Sidi Aftab Malik, editor-in-chief at Amal Press, contacted us regarding the launch of “In the Land of the Ayatollahs, Tupac Shakur Is King: Reflections from Iran and the Arab World” by Shahzad Aziz. The paperback book (296 pages) will be officially launched in October 2007, insha’Allah.

So, what is the book about? We asked Sidi Aftab for some exclusive material and more details.

IslamCrunch: Essentially, what is this book about?

Aftab Malik: A combination of humour and serious intellectual excursion to understand some of the challenges that the Middle-East (and Muslims by extension) face in the post 9/11 world.

IslamCrunch: Interesting combo… What else do you have for us?

Aftab Malik: THREE KEY BENEFITS OF THIS BOOK:

1.  An A—Z overview of all the cultural clash-points affecting contemporary relations between the West and the Muslim World.

2. First-hand commentary and opinion from marginalized social groups within Iranian and Arab society (e.g. the working class, women, students etc…) on these cultural clash-points.  

3.  A detailed and critical analytical debate of these cultural clash-points explored from the perspective of a Western Muslim.

IslamCrunch: This looks like a “must-have” book for our book shelves. We love it already, who else do you think would be interested in reading this new book?

Aftab Malik: This book will appeal to:

1. Students: Both those who are on academic courses on Islam/Culture and Middle East Studies and beyond to those who are interested in politics and international relations.

2. Urban commuters: In particular, young professionals traveling to work in the ‘city’ who wish to read something intelligent and with substance but in a language which is engaging and not too heavy.

3. Second and third generation Muslims residing in the West. There is a dearth of material written by them on issues which relate to them.  This book helps plug that gap.

4. Travelers: In particular, back-packers and those with an interest in traveling across several Middle Eastern countries in one trip.

5. General public: members of the public who have an interest in contemporary issues relating to Muslim-West issues.

IslamCrunch: That seems like a good target audience. How about providing us with an upshot?

Aftab Malik: This book was primarily written to provide insight for those in category #5 above, making it an ideal book for a central point of discussion and dialogue. From hijabs to Cosmopolitan magazine, to freedom of speech and Salman Rushdie; from classical Islamic law to suicide bombers and from the war on terror to the causes of terror, “In the Land of the Ayatollahs“ provides a unique insight into the complexities of the Muslim world.

IslamCrunch: Fantastic! Thanks for the details. Now, here is a special bonus for our readers: Table of Contents Preview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since qualifying as a Barrister, Aziz has specialised in human rights and asylum law. In particular, his legal practice has centred on representing those fleeing torture and persecution by state and non-state agents in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia for reasons of race, religion, political affiliation or membership of a vulnerable social group. Within his legal field, Aziz has written and lectured on anti-discrimination and anti-terror legislation. He has also written on more general issues concerning the Muslim community.

For more details, check out Amal Press’ site. Purchase your copy by clicking on the image below:  

UPDATE: To view a video about the book, click here: http://islamcrunch.com/archives/video-in-the-land-of-the-ayatollahs-tupac-shakur-is-king/

Click on the image above to see a larger image.

For more information about the 2008 Islamic Calendar, please see our previous post: Exclusive! Haji Noor Deen Calendars

Our thanks to Sidi Tariq Subhani and the M.E.C.C.A. Center team for allowing IslamCrunch to post this exclusive image from the forthcoming calendar.

White Thread Press will launch their new book, ‘Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar Explained’ , in San Jose on August 17, 2007. The book launch will be held at the South Bay Islamic Association and a special free event has been organized. Titled ‘An Evening of Knowledge’, the event will include short lectures from Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf, Imam Tahir Anwar and Shaykh Tameem Ahmedi. In addition to the lectures, an autograph session is scheduled. The book will be available for purchase on site, as well as other White Thread Press titles.

For more information about the event, click on the image to download the flyer.

Our beloved Imam Zaid Shakir has provided his testimonial of Shaykh Abdur-Rahman’s work:

“Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf has rendered a valuable service to English speaking Muslims. The depth of his scholarship and the accessibility of his language combine to present the reader with a text that elucidates critical aspects of the orthodox Muslim creed, and sheds light on contentious historical and theological issues.”

‘Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar Explained’

“Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is one of the earliest texts written on central Islamic theology, and one of the surviving works of Abu Hanifa, the Great Imam of jurisprudence and theology. Studied for centuries in the Muslim world, Al-Fiqh al-Akbar offers a layered understanding of divine oneness (tawhid), the underpinning of Islamic belief. It helps to refine one’s understanding of the Creator, messengers, and divine communication, and enables one, moreover, to gain insight into the realities of this life and the events of the life hereafter.”

Click on the book cover for more details and to purchase the book at a pre-launch special price. Click here to read an excerpt.

Even though the news about Falah Productions has been leaked on DeenPort, Imam Tahir Anwar has gracefully allowed us to officially announce his new organization. Falah Productions has been in development for a month. Falah Productions is a culmination of Imam Tahir’s upcoming Hajj DVD. The Hajj DVD is a multimedia progression of Imam Tahir’s highly acclaimed audio CD: Performing Hajj - A Practical Guide to the Journey of a Lifetime.

The DVD will be launched at the ISNA 2007 convention, insha’Allah. The launch of the DVD at ISNA will be coordinated with Al-Rashad Productions. Imam Tahir will be at the booth to discuss and sign the DVD.

Two members of the IslamCrunch team were honored to be involved with this DVD project, providing graphic design and consultation. We pray that Allah accepts our work and brings abundant blessings to this project.

Please visit the site: Falah Productions to purchase the CD and pre-order the DVD.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes shot: