Privacy Policy

Qiam Institute mobile application
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Effective date: April 1, 2026

Qiam Institute ("we," "us," or "our") operates the Qiam Institute mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains what information the App collects, how it is used, with whom it is shared, and the choices available to you. By using the App you agree to the practices described below.

Key points: The App does not require an account or login. We do not use cookies, display advertising, or sell your data to third parties. Most data stays on your device.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Location Data

With your permission, the App accesses your device's GPS coordinates to provide prayer time calculations, Qibla compass direction, and local weather. Location data is:

• Stored locally on your device in application preferences.
• Transmitted to the third-party services listed in Section 3 solely for the purposes described.

You may revoke location permission at any time through your device's system settings.

1.2 Volunteer Form Information

If you choose to submit the in-app volunteer form, the following personal information is collected: full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, mailing address, availability and skills. This information is transmitted to Formspree, a third-party form processing service, and is used solely for volunteer coordination. Submission is entirely voluntary.

1.3 Device and Usage Data (Analytics)

The App uses Firebase Analytics (provided by Google), which may automatically collect certain device and usage information including app open events, device model, OS version, and approximate country. We use this data to understand which features are most valuable to our community and to improve the App. Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy.

1.4 Push Notification Tokens

The App uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to deliver push notifications. When you grant notification permission, a device token is generated and sent to Google's servers. No personal information is included in the token.

1.5 Locally Stored Data

The App stores the following on your device only (never transmitted): prayer time settings, Quran reading progress and bookmarks, theme preferences, tasbih counter values, cached location name, and dua/hadith bookmarks. This data is not accessible to us or any third party.

2. How We Use Your Information

• GPS coordinates: Calculate prayer times, Qibla direction, and weather (your consent)
• Volunteer form: Coordinate volunteer activities (your consent)
• Device/usage analytics: Understand usage patterns (legitimate interest)
• FCM device token: Deliver push notifications (your consent)
• Local preferences: Persist your settings across sessions (app functionality)

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or automated decision-making.

3. Third-Party Services

The App communicates with the following services, each receiving only the minimum data necessary:

• Firebase Analytics (Google) — device info, usage events, approximate location
• Firebase Cloud Messaging (Google) — device token, topic subscriptions
• OpenWeatherMap (OpenWeather Ltd) — GPS coordinates for weather data
• Nominatim (OpenStreetMap Foundation) — GPS coordinates for location name
• Formspree (Formspree, Inc.) — volunteer form fields
• Quran.com API (Quran Foundation) — no user data sent
• Flickr Public Feed — no user data sent
• WordPress REST API (qiaminstitute.org) — no user data sent
• YouTube (Google) — standard interaction data
• Google Maps (Google) — standard interaction data
• Microsoft Forms (Microsoft) — external link only

4. Device Permissions

• Internet — access online content and APIs
• Fine/Coarse Location — prayer times, Qibla, weather
• Post Notifications — prayer reminders, announcements
• Schedule/Use Exact Alarm — precise prayer time notifications
• Receive Boot Completed — reschedule alarms after restart
• Wake Lock — audio playback
• Foreground Service/Media Playback — background Quran audio
• Vibrate — tasbih counter and notifications

All permissions are optional and manageable in device Settings.

5. Data Storage and Security

• All network communication uses HTTPS (TLS encryption).
• Local data is stored in your device's application sandbox.
• Quran audio files are cached on-device for offline listening.
• No user-account databases; no passwords to protect.

6. Data Retention

• On-device data: retained until app uninstall or data clear.
• Volunteer submissions: retained until purpose fulfilled or deletion requested.
• Firebase Analytics: Google's standard retention (default 14 months).
• FCM tokens: expire on uninstall or token refresh.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We do not share data with advertisers or data brokers. Data is shared only as described in Section 3 or if required by law.

8. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and Portability: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Deletion: Email info@qiaminstitute.org. Local data removed by uninstalling.
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke permissions in device settings.
• Opt Out of Analytics: Contact us to request opt-out.

We respond to data requests within 30 days at no charge.

9. Children's Privacy

The App is designed for people of all ages, including children, for Quran reading, learning duas, and Islamic educational content. We comply with COPPA and Google Play's Families Policy.

Core features (Quran reader, duas, tasbih, prayer times, 99 Names of Allah) do not collect any personal information from any user, including children.

Features that collect data (location, volunteer form, notifications) require device-level permission manageable by parents. The volunteer form is intended for adults — children under 13 should not submit it without parental consent.

Parents can manage permissions through device settings and contact info@qiaminstitute.org to request deletion of any data inadvertently collected from a child under 13.

10. International Users

The App is operated from the United States. Data may be transferred to and processed in the US and other countries where our service providers operate.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected in the "Last updated" date and may be communicated through the App.

12. Contact Us

• Email: info@qiaminstitute.org
• Organization: Qiam Institute, Woodridge, IL, United States
• Website: qiaminstitute.org

Qiam Institute Privacy Policy — Last updated April 1, 2026