Effective Media-Use in Islamic History

When the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) started preaching Islam openly, his society’s hatred and attacks against him and his followers intensified. He and his entire clan, Banu Hashim, as a result, became the target of crippling economic and social sanctions. It was then that Abu Talib decided to compose some powerful poetry that poignantly described the dire situation of the suffering people. It spread and became popular among the Arab masses. The resultant awareness and sympathy helped to eventually bring down the sanctions.

Also, the poetic and oratory skills of Hassan ibn Thabit were employed by the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) to defend the name and honor of Islam and its Messenger. Aisha said that, “Hassan satirized against them and gave satisfaction to the (Muslims) and disquieted (the disbelievers)." [Sahih Muslim] Hassan ibn Thabit (radiallahu 'anhu) had also left examples of conquest through a fluent tongue. On the command of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), he masterfully triumphed over the enemies in a poetic-duel. The rivals accepted the superiority of Islam and its Prophet and embraced it.

‘The pen is mightier than the sword’. This saying holds true if the user fulfills the following conditions: good and sincere intention; correct knowledge; training and proper organization on a community level. Alhumdullilah, TV channels, internet and the print media are all open to comments and feedback from us. Whenever we come across an evil action within these mediums or outside in our society, we are duty bound to denounce it as much as we can by taking action and by speaking out in protest. This is done by contacting the newspaper/channel or writing directly to the writer of the offending article/program. This becomes most affective if a lot of people take a stand collectively and will serve as a future deterrent. An example of this was BBC’s sacking of a former MP and popular talk show host of 17yrs, Robert Kilroy Silk¹, who was guilty of racist and Islamphobic comments. His censure was directly a result of Muslim people’s active protest and condemnation of his behavior.

YOU can make a difference

Yes, all you need is the confidence to take an initiative, belief in one’s stand (no matter what the odds) and faith in Allah’s (subhana wa ta'alaa) help. A wonderful and inspiring example of this is the story of 11yrs old Ella Gunderson². She was frustrated and unsuccessful in trying to shop for modest clothes for herself. She found nothing but low-riding tight jeans and revealing tops. So she penned a letter to the store manager, describing her experience and calling for a change. Her simple and honest letter was relayed to the president of the full-line store. He personally replied informing her that the store would soon carry modest options for people like her. Her bold initiative created such a buzz that she got invited for talks and interviews by radio stations, CNN and NBC talk shows. Her story is proof that everyone can make a difference and how media helped make it happen.

Newspaper and Magazines

Did you know that after the front page headlines, the ‘Letter to the Editor’ column is the most widely read section in a newspaper? You don’t need to be a journalist to write to them. This is a forum that we should read and write to regularly. Why? To show that Muslims have a voice. We need to be heard rather than just be talked about. To be affective and successful in writing to papers you need to:

1. Be informed Muslims
2. Hold opinions based on correct knowledge
3. Keep abreast of current affairs and changing political scenarios.

This way you will be able to:

1. Bring the Islamic perspective on current affairs to the forefront
2. Persistently challenge the stereotypes of Islam
3. Show that there is a clear difference between Islamic culture and cultural Islam
4. Point out any wrong or injustice you see or experience in your society.

It is important, when penning your opinions to stay calm and polite, no matter how provoked, but communicate your feelings firmly.

TV

TV elicits two extreme views from most Muslims. It is either a total and outright rejection by some, terming it as haraam or an unreserved acceptance by others, in the name of freedom of expression. However, the correct perspective is to be aware of TV’s pros and cons and make use of this avenue in this light. A scholar has said, “Every means that helps to achieve the goals of dawah may be used, so long as it is not haraam.” 3 Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to visit the market places of the kaafirs for this purpose. Just because TV has been used for a lot of vice, the knowledgeable people should not shy away from it. The scope of benefit any dawah school or program offers is limited to the few who are able to go out and attend it. But if such programs are telecast on the airways, they will reach a million homes. Presented in attractive and modern formats, TV dawah has the potential to influence most extensively and to a diverse audience.

The Internet

According to Internet World Stats, there are approximately 1,094 million internet users worldwide 4. Like TV, its potential for good and bad is unparalleled but unlike TV this medium enjoys the benefit of instantaneous and two-way communication for all. The following are some of the ways that you can enjoin good and forbid evil on the internet: 1. Report offending sites, you come across, to your internet service provider asking them to block or censor them. 2. Not forward chain letters that promise you some worldly benefit or ‘miracles’. 3. Never forward Islamic info emails without reference sources or first verifying its authenticity. 4. Reply to chain letters and wrong info senders asking for evidence or enlightening them about the dangers of spreading hype or legends that aim to take advantage of people’s gullibility. 5. Prepare and send short mails to acquaintances reminding them of Allah’s commands and timely good deeds. 6. Read and write letters and opinion pieces to local and international media. 7. Not waste time and energy on debating on forums that slyly aim to provoke Muslims in the guise of discussing religion and politics. 8. Set up and manage websites for social and religious benefit.

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3376633.stm
2. SeattleTimes. http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis. cgi/web/vortex/display? slug=fashion21eanddate=20040521andquery=Ella+Gunderson+
3. Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyaah al-Kuwaitiyyah, 20/332
4. http://www.internetworldstats.com

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