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Sabily
Sabily
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Sabily
Sabily Badr 11.04 Unity desktop
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Source modelOpen source
Latest release11.10 (Uhud) / December 19, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-12-19)
Available inMultilingual (more than 55)[1]
Update methodAPT (front-ends available)
Package managerdpkg
Supported platformsx86 (32 bits) and x86-64 (64 bits)[2]
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
Default
user interface
GNOME
LicenseGNU GPL and others
Official websitewww.sabily.org

Sabily (Arabic: سبيلي, IPA: [sæˈbiːliː], My Way) is a discontinued Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, designed by and with the intent to be used by followers of Islam.[3] Originally named Ubuntu Muslim Edition (presented as UbuntuME), development for Sabily was active from 2007 to 2011.

Sabily was designed for Muslim users to have out-of-the-box Arabic language support and Islamic software and tools installed, including a prayer times tool, a Qur'an study tool, Hijri calendar, etc.

The Unity shell is based on GNOME 3 on Sabily 11.10, Unity 2D for graphic cards without 3D capabilities. The Unity shell became available on the Sabily 11.04 Badr DVD. Ubuntu Classic Desktop was the default desktop in Sabily (11.04), but Unity in Ubuntu 11.04. The full version of Sabily comes with out-of-the-box educational software, and codecs for most commonly used media formats.[3][4]

Release history

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Sabily followed the release schedule of Ubuntu. After Ubuntu 9.04, its name was changed from UbuntuME, to Sabily.

  • UbuntuME 7.04 released 12 October 2007
  • UbuntuME 7.10 released 2 December 2007
  • UbuntuME 8.04 released 17 May 2008
  • UbuntuME 8.04.1 released 22 July 2008
  • Sabily 9.04 Taibah released 12 May 2009
  • Sabily 9.10 Gaza released 27 December 2009
  • Sabily 10.04 Manarat released 28 June 2010
  • Sabily 11.04 Badr released 5 May 2011
  • Sabily 11.10 Uhud released 19 December 2011

Versions available

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There are currently[as of?] three versions of Sabily, but there is no official host at the moment.

  • Small version (967.96 MB), contains the main Sabily packages, including artwork and Islamic applications and Arabic support.
  • Full version (1.55 GB), contains the same as the Small version plus multimedia, educational and miscellaneous packages.[5]
  • Ultimate version (3.3 GB), has the same content as the Full version, plus Qur'an offline recitations provided by Muhammad Siddeeq al-Minshawi, Huzify, Saad al-Ghamadi and Mishary Rashed Alafasy.

The Ultimate version is useful mainly when not connected to the Internet, yet all Sabily versions provide online Qur'an recitations.

Sabily is available as a Live DVD, which can be booted on the host computer without installation. The Wisabi installer can install Sabily to the hard disk within Microsoft Windows, without involving risky formatting or partitioning.

Additional software

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As compared to Ubuntu:

  • zekr: Qur'anic Study Tool[6]
  • minbar: Islamic prayer times application
  • monajat: application that pops up prayers at predetermined times
  • Firefox-praytimes: Firefox extension that displays Islamic daily prayer times
  • webstrict: UI frontend to DansGuardian (web content filtering tool)
  • nanny: the GNOME Nanny parental-control system
  • thwab: Electronic Encyclopedia System
  • hijra: Islamic calendar
  • mus-haf Othman: Othman Qur'an Browser
  • noor: Qur'an viewer
  • fsool: abbreviated chapters in the Messenger vita
  • rejaal: Men around the prophet

Arabic support

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  • language-pack-ar: translations for language Arabic
  • language-pack-gnome-ar: GNOME translations for language Arabic
  • mozilla-Firefox-locale-ar: Mozilla Firefox Arabic language/region package
  • aspell-ar: Arabic dictionary for aspell
  • acon: Text console arabization
  • bicon: Console that supports bidirectional text display
  • Arab eyes qamoos: Arabic-English dictionary
  • fonts-hosny-amiri: Arabic Naskh style typographically oriented font (Amiri is a classical Arabic typeface in Naskh style for typesetting books and other running text)[7][8]

Sabily software

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Zekr is an open platform Quran study tool for browsing and researching on the Quran. Recitations and translations are available for download.

Small version DVD available online recitations:

  • Abdulbasit Abdussamad (64 kbit/s)
  • Mishary bin Rashid Al-Afasy (128 kbit/s)
  • Saad Al-Ghamdi (40 kbit/s)
  • Mohammed Siddiq Al-Minshawi (16 kbit/s)
  • Maher Al-Muaiqly (128 kbit/s)
  • Abu Bakr Ash-Shatri (128 kbit/s)
  • Saud Al-Shuraim (128 kbit/s)
  • Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais (192 kbit/s)

Minbar indicates the time when Muslims should pray. It runs in background as a tray icon and plays the athan (call to prayer) at prayer times. Minbar works with the main calculation methods, such as Muslim League (default), Shafii, and Hanafi.[9] Muslims observe salat five times a day, and Minbar helps to remind the user of daily prayer times.[10]

Monajat
DeveloperSabily Team
Initial release2011-09-11 (v2.6.1-3)
Operating systemLinux, Windows
LicenseGPLv2
Websitelaunchpad.net/monajat

Monajat is an application for Linux and Windows that displays Azkar messages. It runs in the background as a tray icon and displays hadiths. The application is an application provided by the Sabily community.[11]

Zakat Calc
DevelopersMaui Sabily, Sabily Team
Initial releaseMay 7, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-05-07)
Written inGambas
Operating systemLinux, Windows
Available inMalay, Indonesian, English, Arabic, Italian
LicenseGPLv3
Websitelaunchpad.net/zakat-calc

Zakat Calc is an application for Linux. Zakat, or almsgiving, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is the giving of 2.5% of one's possessions (surplus wealth) to charity, generally to the poor and needy. Zakat Calc helps Muslims to calculate zakat types: gold, silver, stones, jewels, savings in bank, property, loans, business, firms, animals (2.5%) and agriculture (10%). It was created using the Gambas programming language and it runs on Linux.

Gnome Nanny (parental control) is an easy way to control how long users or children can be on the computer and what they can and cannot access browsing the web.[12]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sabily is a discontinued derived from , tailored for Muslim users with built-in support for the language and a suite of pre-installed Islamic software applications, including tools for times, Qur'an study, and filtering. Originally launched as Ubuntu Muslim Edition in 2007, Sabily underwent a in 2009. The distribution supported the architecture and employed Debian's DEB package management system, ensuring compatibility with standard Ubuntu repositories while adding specialized Islamic features such as a and Arabic learning tools. Sabily's development emphasized an "Islamic ," incorporating themed wallpapers, fonts, and interfaces to align with cultural preferences, alongside like and web browsers such as for general computing needs. It released 11 versions between 2007 and 2011, with the final iteration based on 11.10, after which active maintenance ceased, rendering it no longer under development as of 2025. Despite its discontinuation, Sabily contributed to the niche of faith-based operating systems by demonstrating how open-source platforms could integrate religious and linguistic accommodations out-of-the-box.

Introduction

Overview

Sabily is a discontinued free and open-source derived from , designed specifically for Muslim users with a focus on Islamic cultural and religious requirements. It originated as Ubuntu Muslim Edition in 2007 before being renamed Sabily, providing an unmodified base enhanced with pre-installed Islamic software and tools to facilitate ease of use for Arabic-speaking communities. The distribution was available in a Live DVD format, allowing users to test the system without installation, and supported the x86 (i386) architecture across all versions, with x86-64 support available in select versions such as 9.10, 10.04, and 10.10. A core purpose of Sabily was to deliver out-of-the-box language support alongside specialized Islamic applications, such as time calculators and Qur'an study tools, without compromising the stability or core functionality of . This customization aimed to address the needs of Muslim users by integrating religious and educational resources directly into the operating system, promoting accessibility for those seeking a culturally attuned computing environment. Development of Sabily spanned from 2007 to 2011, with the final official release, version 11.10, occurring on December 19, 2011, after which no further updates or active maintenance took place, marking its discontinuation.

Purpose and Features

Sabily is an operating system tailored primarily for Muslim users, especially those who speak , offering a pre-configured that incorporates religious and cultural tools to facilitate daily Islamic practices. Its core purpose is to provide an accessible computing environment for individuals seeking an out-of-the-box solution with built-in support for Islamic observances, thereby reducing the need for manual installations and configurations. This design targets non-technical users, promoting ease of use and digital inclusion. The distribution emphasizes user benefits such as simplified setup through pre-installed localization features and Islamic applications, enabling immediate access to functionalities that align with religious needs without additional technical expertise. High-level features include the integration of the Hijri calendar for date tracking according to the Islamic lunar system, time calculators to determine salat schedules based on , Qur'an study tools for reading and , and content filtering mechanisms to ensure compliance with Islamic guidelines by blocking inappropriate material. These elements collectively enhance and cultural relevance in . By building on the stable foundation of , Sabily fosters broader adoption of within Muslim communities, encouraging technological engagement that respects religious and linguistic contexts. This approach not only supports personal and educational use but also contributes to the global diversity of distributions by addressing specific cultural requirements.

History and Development

Origins as Ubuntu Muslim Edition

Sabily originated as Ubuntu Muslim Edition (UbuntuME), a customized variant of the Linux distribution launched in 2007 by a team of developers focused on tailoring the operating system for Muslim users. The project aimed to integrate Islamic-specific software and enhancements directly into the base system, providing immediate accessibility without requiring manual installations. This initiative was driven by the need to overcome limitations in the standard distribution, particularly the absence of built-in tools for language support and Islamic practices, which were essential for users in regions with significant Muslim populations. The primary motivations behind Ubuntu Muslim Edition stemmed from community feedback highlighting the demand for a more inclusive environment that supported religious and cultural needs, such as time notifications and study applications, alongside improved localization. Developers sought to create a non-intrusive overlay on 's core, ensuring compatibility while adding value for users who faced barriers in accessing region-specific resources. By basing the edition on 's stable foundation, the team emphasized ease of use and reliability, appealing to both novice and experienced users within the Muslim . In , the project underwent a significant rebranding to Sabily, primarily to resolve potential issues associated with the "" name, with the first release under this new moniker being version 9.04 based on Ubuntu's Jaunty Jackalope. The name "Sabily" derives from an term rooted in a Qur'anic verse, translating to "" or "path," symbolizing a guided and accessible pathway for Muslim users in their digital interactions. This shift marked a maturation of the project, solidifying its identity as an independent derivative while maintaining its Ubuntu heritage. Early development of Sabily was predominantly community-driven, hosted on the Launchpad platform where contributors collaborated on integrating Islamic tools and customizations, such as themed wallpapers and login screens, without altering Ubuntu's fundamental architecture. Led by figures like Mehdi Magnon, the team prioritized open-source contributions to ensure the distribution remained adaptable and aligned with evolving user requirements. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership among participants, laying the groundwork for subsequent enhancements.

Release Timeline

Sabily's release history originated with Ubuntu Muslim Edition (UbuntuME), which followed 's standard and (LTS) release schedule before rebranding to Sabily starting with version 9.04. Each release incorporated updates from its upstream base while adding Islamic-themed customizations. The project concluded with its final official release in 2011, after which no further updates were issued despite 's continued development. The following table summarizes the key releases:
VersionRelease DateNotes
UbuntuME 7.04October 12, 2007Initial stable release based on 7.04 Feisty Fawn.
UbuntuME 7.10December 2, 2007Based on 7.10 Gutsy .
UbuntuME 8.04May 17, 2008LTS release based on 8.04 Hardy .
UbuntuME 8.04.1July 22, 2008Point release update for the 8.04 LTS.
Sabily 9.04 TaibahMay 12, 2009First release under the Sabily name, based on 9.04 Jaunty ; "Taibah" refers to in Islamic tradition.
Sabily 9.10 GazaDecember 27, 2009Based on 9.10 Karmic Koala; named after the .
Sabily 10.04 ManaratJune 28, 2010LTS release based on 10.04 Lucid ; "Manarat" means minarets.
Sabily 10.10 Al QudsNovember 3, 2010Based on 10.10 Maverick ; "Al Quds" refers to .
Sabily 11.04 May 5, 2011Based on 11.04 Natty ; "Badr" refers to the .
Sabily 11.10 December 19, 2011Final release, based on 11.10 Oneiric ; "Uhud" refers to the .
Post-2011, the project ceased active development with no official continuations or revivals.

Editions and Versions

Available Editions

Sabily offered three primary download editions tailored to different user needs, all derived from the same core but differentiated by the scope of pre-installed packages. For example, in version 10.10, the Small edition measured 967.96 MB and provided a basic setup focused on core Islamic applications, artwork, and language support, making it suitable for lightweight installations on older hardware. The Full edition, at 1.55 GB, expanded on the Small edition by incorporating additional and educational packages, ideal for general and . The Ultimate edition, sized at 3.3 GB, included the contents of the Full edition plus extensive offline Islamic resources such as Qur'an recitations, supporting comprehensive religious study without requiring an connection. Each edition was distributed as ISO images compatible with Live DVD modes, allowing users to the system before committing to a full installation.

Key Version Differences

Sabily's early versions, released as Ubuntu Muslim Edition from 7.04 (2007) to 8.04 (2008), emphasized foundational integrations for language support and essential Islamic tools, including prayer time calculators like , Quran recitation audio files, and basic web filtering via WebStrict, all pre-installed on a GNOME-based desktop with a secondary CD for additional packages such as and fonts. The transition to the Sabily branding began with version 9.04 (), codenamed "Taibah," which introduced a complete retheming with new artwork, wallpapers, and a customized interface to reflect Islamic aesthetics, while expanding the software structure to include Zekr as a dedicated study tool and enabling WebStrict by default for safer browsing; this version also marked the shift to themed codenames inspired by Islamic landmarks, alongside the availability of small (under 1 GB) and full editions for broader accessibility. Version 9.10 (2009) built on this by restructuring the Islamic software suite for better organization, redeveloping the Monajat prayer reminder application in Python for enhanced functionality, and improving prayer tools with add-ons for automated notifications, while maintaining the GNOME desktop and adding minor refinements to Arabic input methods. In 10.04 (), Sabily enhanced multimedia Islamic features, particularly by integrating audio playback capabilities into Zekr for Quran recitations from multiple reciters, alongside new Arabic fonts for improved typography, social media integrations (e.g., and ), and a refreshed theme aligning with Ubuntu's window button relocation; this release remained 32-bit only but increased package sizes in the full edition to accommodate expanded utilities like AlMoazin for advanced prayer scheduling. Subsequent versions 10.10 (2010) introduced 64-bit support alongside the existing 32-bit, allowing compatibility with modern hardware while preserving core Islamic applications, and version 11.04 (2011) previewed Unity integration by including Unity 2D on the DVD edition with Classic as default, featuring updated GDM themes, new wallpapers, and refined multilingual support for non-Arabic users. The final official release, 11.10 (2011), further evolved the desktop options by adding alongside Unity, with new boot screens, login themes, and optimizations for right-to-left rendering, culminating in a more polished experience for Islamic content consumption; post-11.10, no official updates were issued, though the distribution's base lineage provided security patches until its upstream support ended. Although the original Sabily was discontinued, a community project named Sabily OS began development in the to create a modern successor based on Linux. As of 2025, it remains in early stages without releases.

Technical Features

Installation and System Requirements

Sabily's standard installation uses the Ubiquity graphical installer derived from , supporting both graphical and text modes for user-friendly setup from a bootable Live DVD without prior partitioning or formatting risks. For users on , Vista, or 7, the separate Wisabi tool, based on Wubi, allows installation alongside the existing operating system directly from within Windows. The installation process follows the standard procedure: boot from the Sabily Live DVD to test the distribution in live mode, select language and keyboard layout (with prioritized as the default due to the distribution's focus), configure partitioning (automatic or manual), copy files, and set up the . Post-installation includes user account creation. As an Arabic-focused distribution, it provides seamless support for input and right-to-left (RTL) text handling, along with Islamic-specific features like Hijri calendar integration. As an derivative, Sabily maintains compatibility with standard Ubuntu installation media and processes. Its system requirements align closely with those of Ubuntu 11.10, the base for its final release: a minimum of 384 MB RAM and 4.5 GB disk space on x86 or compatible CPUs, though 1 GB RAM is recommended for optimal performance and to accommodate pre-installed Islamic applications without lag. As Sabily is discontinued, official installation media are archived and not recommended for new installations due to lack of updates as of 2025. These specifications ensure on modest hardware typical of the era, while supporting DVD or USB media for the installation.

Desktop Environments

Sabily primarily utilized desktop environment as its default graphical interface in early versions, aligning with its base to provide a familiar and customizable experience for users. This choice emphasized ease of use and integration with Islamic software, allowing seamless access to features like prayer time reminders directly within the desktop shell. Starting with Sabily 11.04, based on 11.04 (Natty Narwhal), the distribution introduced support for the desktop environment, though it retained Ubuntu Classic—essentially 2—as the default to maintain stability for its target audience. Unity and its 2D variant were available as options, enabling users to opt into the more modern, launcher-focused interface if desired. Subsequent releases, such as Sabily 11.10, transitioned to with as the default shell, incorporating enhancements like improved theming and shell extensions tailored for cultural relevance. Optional desktop environments included Plasma and , installable via standard package management to accommodate diverse user preferences and hardware capabilities. offered extensive customization for power users, while provided a lighter alternative, consuming fewer resources—typically under 300 MB of RAM at idle—making it suitable for older systems prevalent in regions like the . Desktop customizations in Sabily featured Islamic-themed elements, such as Al-Badr wallpapers depicting crescents and mosques, along with modified icons and panels that integrated notifications via extensions like the Sabily Date Time add-on. Plymouth boot splash and GDM login themes were also updated with green-and-white motifs inspired by , enhancing cultural immersion without altering core functionality. These optimizations ensured responsive performance on low-end hardware, with editions prioritizing minimalism to support systems with as little as 512 MB of RAM.

Localization and Support

Arabic Language Integration

Sabily provided comprehensive Arabic integration by pre-installing Ubuntu's full Arabic localization packages, enabling users to set Arabic as the primary during installation or post-setup without additional configuration. This included complete translation of the Ubuntu interface elements, such as menus, dialogs, control panels, and notifications, ensuring an immersive experience for Arabic-speaking users. For text rendering, Sabily incorporated specialized fonts like Amiri, a Naskh-style optimized for in books and digital interfaces, along with other Unicode-compliant options such as DejaVu Sans. These fonts supported processing and complex script shaping, handled by the library integrated into Ubuntu's , which correctly rendered connected Arabic letters, diacritics, and mixed Latin-Arabic content. Input methods in Sabily were facilitated through the pre-configured IBus framework, which included standard Arabic keyboard layouts such as and for efficient typing of Arabic script. Users could switch between and other layouts seamlessly via keyboard shortcuts like Super+Space or the system tray indicator, providing fluid multilingual input without manual installation. Additionally, Sabily equipped productivity applications with built-in Arabic dictionaries and spell-checkers, drawn from Ubuntu's language support packages, to aid in writing and editing tasks in applications like and web browsers. These tools covered common vocabulary and grammatical forms, enhancing accuracy for users engaged in documentation or content creation.

Multilingual Capabilities

Sabily inherited robust multilingual support from its Ubuntu base, leveraging the project's translation infrastructure to offer compatibility with numerous languages for desktop interfaces and applications, with full translations available in around 40 languages as of its final release in 2011. Users could seamlessly switch languages through the integrated Language Support tool, which allowed installation of language packs and configuration of input methods without requiring advanced technical knowledge. This setup ensured accessibility for diverse users while maintaining the distribution's core focus on Islamic usability. The system emphasized regional adaptations for Middle Eastern and North African locales, incorporating support for key languages spoken in Muslim-majority regions, such as and Persian. These adaptations included keyboard layouts and script rendering optimized for right-to-left languages beyond Arabic, facilitating use in countries like , , and . Sabily provided essential tools for locale management, including the ability to customize date and time formats with Hijri calendar integration from the Sabily team. Font fallback mechanisms ensured consistent rendering of complex scripts, such as those in Persian or , by prioritizing appropriate typefaces from the system's font collection. These features enabled users to align system behaviors with cultural preferences while operating in their preferred language. Although Arabic received the highest priority in localization efforts, resulting in near-complete translations and specialized enhancements, support for lesser-used languages in later Sabily versions could be incomplete, reflecting the variable translation coverage in Ubuntu's ecosystem where some languages achieved only partial implementation. This prioritization ensured deep integration for primary target users but may have required manual additions for full functionality in niche locales.

Included Software

Islamic-Specific Applications

Sabily includes several applications tailored specifically for Islamic religious practices, developed or customized by the Sabily team and hosted on Launchpad projects. These tools facilitate daily worship, scriptural study, and adherence to Islamic obligations without requiring additional installation. Zekr serves as a comprehensive Qur'an study tool, offering searchable text, multiple translations, and (exegeses) to support in-depth learning and recitation. Minbar calculates and displays times based on the user's geographic location, using astronomical algorithms to determine salat schedules accurately. Monajat is a lightweight reminder application that periodically displays Islamic supplications (azkar) at user-defined intervals, promoting regular remembrance of God. Zakat Calc provides a for determining obligations on assets like cash, gold, and property, guiding users through Islamic charity computations. Advanced features enhance accessibility to Islamic resources. The edition includes offline Qur'an recitations by prominent reciters such as Muhammad Siddeeq al-Minshawi, Husary, Saad al-Ghamdi, and Mishary Rashid Alafasy, allowing audio playback without connectivity. System-wide Hijri calendar integration, via tools like the Hijra applet, overlays the Islamic on the desktop for date tracking aligned with religious events. For content protection, Sabily incorporates filtering tools to block access to non-Islamic or inappropriate websites. Webstrict functions as a and web filter, customizable to restrict content. These applications are pre-installed across Sabily editions, with expanded media in the Ultimate variant.

General Utilities and Tools

Sabily's standard edition includes a selection of general-purpose utilities drawn from Ubuntu's repositories, providing essential tools for everyday computing tasks. Multimedia playback is supported through applications such as for versatile audio and video handling, for simple video viewing, and for music management. These tools ensure compatibility with common media formats, including pre-installed codecs for broader support. For productivity, the distribution features as the default office suite, offering word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations with built-in language support for right-to-left text rendering and localization. Web browsing is handled by , which provides a secure and customizable interface for . Document management relies on as the file manager, while system monitoring and archiving are facilitated by GNOME System Monitor and File Roller, respectively. Networking tools, inherited from , enable seamless connectivity and are optimized for repository-based updates. Educational software forms a core component, particularly in the full edition, which expands on the standard inclusions with a suite of learning applications such as GCompris for interactive activities, TuxMath for mathematics practice, TuxPaint for drawing, and for vocabulary building and language drills. Additional tools like KTouch for typing skills, KHangMan for word games, and Stellarium for astronomy simulations enhance conceptual learning without requiring . The full edition further incorporates media creation utilities, including Audacity for audio editing and for non-linear video editing, allowing users to produce and modify content locally. These additions emphasize creative productivity, building on Ubuntu's package ecosystem for stability and ease of extension. The ultimate edition mirrors the full edition's general tools while prioritizing comprehensive offline access, though it relies on the same 2011-era packages as earlier versions, necessitating manual repository updates post-installation to address vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Users typically connect to Ubuntu's repositories for patches, as Sabily's development ceased after its final release in 2011.

References

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