Islamic mobile phones hit Europe

For Muslims over the world, it's a high-tech call to prayer.

The Ilkone i800 cellular telephone generates five automated reminders a day at prayer time, points Muslims in the direction of Mecca and contains a complete, authorised version of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, in Arabic and English.

This week, Ilkone - Arabic for universe - went on sale in the Netherlands for its European debut. It will be followed by launches in France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and

And now, an Islamic mobile phone!   

Bosnia in the coming months, said Peter Suyk, the managing director of Lebara BV, the phone's European distributor.

Made by the Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based startup Samcom, Ilkone's entry into the European market follows a successful introduction in the Middle East and Asia, where it is available in 23 countries.

Advertised as "the first and only Islamic phone that gives you access to your beliefs wherever you are," it retails in Dutch telecommunications outlets for euro 289, excluding a mobile phone subscription.

A first batch of around 1,200 phones were available at around 150 BelCompany stores across the Netherlands. "They are selling well and here is a lot of interest. We are ready to supply more when needed," Suyk said.

The Dutch launch comes three weeks before the holy Islamic fasting month Ramadan, which culminates in the three-day festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, when friends and family gather to pray, share meals and exchange gifts.