Salam World is “Facebook” with Islamic Content. Seriously?

When I heard the information about yet another social network site with Islamic content, honestly I accept it skeptically. Moreover when I read the information about Salam World that is projected to be “Facebook” with Islamic concept. As cited fromsomemedia, the “Salam World” management is now visiting Indonesia, including to Majelis Ulama Indonesia (Indonesian Ulema Council), the Ministry of Religion, Bank Muamalat to promote its product that will be launched in April 2012.

Salam World is owned by some Russians and Turks who will invest $15 million to open its branches in 16 countries with large numbers of Muslim citizens including Indonesia. Beside that, in two years Salam World will spend $40 million for the infrastructure and further expansion. It is a bombastic number for me. Next, Salam World is going to develop the internet payment concept using a kind of electronic gold or electronic dinar. Therefore Salam World tries to make collaboration with Bank Muamalat as a partner in Indonesia.

My skeptical mind is reasonable. If you visit the site SalamWorld.com, the appearance does not seem to be the site of a million dollar project. The appearance is more like the 1990s design and not interesting for users and I do not think that it is the kind of site to be longed for next year. Besides, I try to search for the name of the Salam World management (you may check it on the article on Eramuslim) and it is not satisfying enough—for those who manage million dollars investment. I hope that I am wrong, but let’s keep guessing.

Actually the concept of social networking site with certain theme is familiar. SixReps proves it with its focus on the body building community. It does not need to wait for others to take this opportunity. There is also MosqueLife.com in Indonesia. It focuses on Islamic theme. However, MosqueLife is not only dealing with social networking site and but also on status/statements and comments.

In my opinion, networking site with special theme is fine if it is served with specific features and functions. For example, the Islamic networking site can give the prayer schedule (based on local time), tausiyah info, or any other things that can be added-value.

Do you think that Salam World can be a feasible and legitimate site? If yes, what do you expect from this special-theme site?