As Muslims, we are guided by a faith that places profound emphasis on truth, justice, and the sanctity of human life. These principles must drive us, especially in our interactions with the world, and notably, in the realm of media and journalism.
In an era riddled with misinformation and disinformation, the necessity for news reported upon with an Islamic perspective becomes not just valuable, but vital.
The battleground of narratives
The contemporary media landscape is a theatre of war when it comes to narratives.
Far too often, we’ve witnessed the mainstream media’s selective blindness that results in skewed storytelling, particularly evident in their disparate coverage of conflicts like Russia vs. Ukraine compared to Israel vs. Palestine.
It’s a disparity that underscores a larger malaise — the erosion of journalistic integrity for political expediency.
While the aggression in one region is condemned vehemently, the systemic oppression in places like Palestine is often downplayed, or worse, justified. This double standard is not just hypocritical; it’s a dangerous catalyst that fuels injustice and erases the narratives of the oppressed.
And this hypocrisy stems from a potent mix of political agendas, national interests, and corporate influence — factors that should have no place in true journalism.
It’s no longer merely about bias towards Israel over Palestine; it’s the consistent pattern of misinformation, context stripping, and outright fake news that fans the flames of falsehood, painting oppressors as victims and the besieged as aggressors!
Restoring integrity through the Islamic ethos
Herein lies the critical role of platforms like Islam21c and the broader Muslim journalistic community.
Our task transcends mere reporting; we must provide nuanced analysis through an Islamic lens, rooted in the unyielding principles of truth, fairness, and human dignity as taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This approach is not about “Islamic news”; it’s about universal news viewed through the lens of Islamic ethics, principles, and values.
Our responsibility is monumental.
We must counterbalance, with our commitment to integrity and the ethical teachings of Islam.
We must not shy away from tackling all kinds of issues, offering insight and shedding light on obscured truths, providing a voice to the voiceless, and actively participating in the discourse with knowledge and empathy.
But, how do we achieve this?
Strategy is key
Education
Undoubtedly, it begins with education.
We must equip ourselves with knowledge — both religious and worldly — to dissect current events critically and constructively.
It continues with engagement; we must foster a culture of intelligent dialogue, not just within our communities but extending beyond, inviting diverse voices, and challenging the status quo.
And importantly, it demands courage — the bravery to speak the truth in the face of power, to write with honesty in an age of deception.
Critical consumption
To our readers and the wider Muslim community, your role is equally crucial.
Consume media critically, support platforms committed to principled reporting, and engage in the discourse, armed with knowledge and compassion. Share credible news, correct misinformation (and disinformation) when you see it, and engage in discussions with wisdom and patience.
In an era where clicks dictate content and sensationalism sells, the importance of an Islamic lens in journalism is not just beneficial, but necessary for a just global society. It’s a lens that refocuses the narrative on truth, strips away worldly biases, and most importantly, serves this blessed Muslim Ummah in the sincere pursuit of truth, justice, and equity, as guided by our faith.
Action points
We, at Islam21c, are taking forward an action ourselves, to run a platform to amplify the voices that often go unheard and contribute to building a narrative that aligns with our Islamic values of justice and fairness.
To this end, here are some actions you can also take:
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Turn to well-informed Islamic platforms in order to understand the dynamics of media, politics, and current affairs.
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Subscribe to, and financially support media outlets that prioritise ethical journalism through an Islamic lens.
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Amplify the truth by being active on social media; share reliable links and respectfully challenge misinformation.
Source: Islam21c
