UmmahCity - questions, answered
Plain answers to what people ask most. Still stuck? Read the guide or just walk in.
Heads up: UmmahCity is a very first, untested v0.1. Expect rough edges and bugs - that is exactly why it is open early. If something breaks, tell us; you are helping build the city.
Is UmmahCity free?
Yes. You can create your account, install the app, and use the core rooms for free. Ummah One is an optional paid membership that adds more, but you never have to pay to get in.
Is this an app? How is it not in the App Store?
It is a real app - it just installs from the web instead of a store. You open ummah.city in your browser and add it to your home screen, and it opens full-screen with its own icon, like any other app.
Why a website you install instead of an App Store app?
So we answer to the Ummah, not to Apple's or Google's review board. Installing from the web means we ship updates the day they are ready, keep more of every Ummah One contribution (no 30% store tax), and nobody can pull us from a store. You still get the home-screen icon and the full-screen feel.
The good
- One tap to install, same address on iPhone and Android
- Your giving is not taxed 30% by Apple or Google
- Updates ship the moment we push them
- No store account needed - share a link, anyone can get it
The trade-offs
- On iPhone, notifications work only after you install it
- iPhone notifications can arrive a few minutes late (an Apple limit)
- You will not find us by searching the App Store - you get here by a link, QR, or a friend
Can I see my email and chats? Who else can?
You can. UmmahCity is owned by the Ummah, not Meta or Google, and we do not sell or mine your data for ads. Be clear-eyed though: your email and chats are not end-to-end encrypted yet, so treat them like normal email, not a sealed letter. We will say so plainly the day that changes. Owned, not Meta - that is the honest line.
What is the difference between UmmahCity, Ummah One, and UmmahPass?
UmmahCity is the city. Ummah One is your membership in it. UmmahPass gets you in. UmmahCity is the app and everything in it; Ummah One is your optional paid membership; UmmahPass is simply how you sign in.
How do I install it on iPhone?
Open ummah.city in Safari, tap the Share button, then tap "Add to Home Screen." The icon lands on your home screen and opens full-screen. The install page has the step-by-step.
How do I install it on Android?
Open ummah.city in Chrome and tap Install app (or the menu, then "Add to Home Screen"). The icon lands on your home screen and opens full-screen. The install page walks you through it.
Do prayer times track my worship?
No. Prayer times show you the times for your location, and that is all. We do not log whether you prayed, score your worship, or share any of it. That is between you and Allah.
What does it cost, and what is Ummah One?
Ummah One is the optional paid membership inside UmmahCity. Ten percent of every paid membership is given to vetted Muslim charities. Current pricing is on the membership page; you can browse the city for free and upgrade any time.
Do I need a new email to use this?
No. You can sign up and use UmmahCity with the email you already have. An @ummah.email address is there if you want one, but it is never required.
Is this only for tech people?
No. If you can install an app and send a text, you can use UmmahCity. The install page walks you through every step, and the guide covers the rest.
Who is behind UmmahCity?
Ummah Media Group, a Muslim-owned company serving the Ummah since 2009. UmmahCity is the home we are building so the Ummah owns its own corner of the internet instead of renting it from Big Tech.