Responsibilities of Mass Media in an Islamic State/Society

Responsibilities of Mass Media in an Islamic State/Society

The extremely important function of transmitting religious beliefs and cultural values to the younger generation was performed by parents, the elderly members of family and by educational institutes before the advent of technology. But, in this age of technology cultural values, ideology of life and other important beliefs are constructed, regulated and transferred to younger generation through the media. The role of parents and teachers has diminished significantly in this regard. I'm not presenting media as a threat to our religious or cultural identity but exploring and discovering the potential that media have, if used as a tool to build an Islamic State/ Society.

The most influential way of injecting ideas and viewpoints into human brains is by imparting messages in an implicit and subliminal manner. This technique is widely used one in today's media industry. Advertisements, news stories, films etc may penetrate into the subconscious minds of viewers and place opinions and views about significant issue. This potential of media can be utilized in educating people about Islam, and in building a more favorable opinion of our religion of peace.

Muslim journalists should try to spread the message of Islam all over the world, making it possible for everyone to learn Islam. But before going to the world - Non Muslim countries, we should discuss some responsibilities that must be fulfilled by mass media and its owners and journalists in an Islamic State or Society.

• Islamic media man should keep vigilance against Anti-Islamic ideas and trends such as; Islamophobia, no to hijab etc.
• They should work towards achieving integration of the muslim individual's Islamic personality.
• Islamic media man should strive to unite the ranks of muslims, and to advocate restoring to wisdom, Islamic brotherhood and tolerance in solving their problems.
• Endeavor to present real facts within the framework of the muslim Islamic rules of conduct.
• Endeavor to aware the muslim individuals with his duties towards others, his basic rights and liberties.
• Islamic media man should censor all material which is either broadcast or published, in order to protect the muslim ummah, from influences which are harmful to Islamic charter and values.
• Islamic media man should follow a decent style in carrying out duties and in preserving the integrity of the profession and Islamic traditions. They should avoid using offensive words.
• Animated films and series made on Islamic stories and topics to educate children at a very early age about their religion, like India has already done it by making cartoons on their gods and bhagwans.
• Commercial advertisements which go against morality should be strictly debarred/ ban from either broadcast or publication.

One important thing to consider and understand as a muslim is that the job of Islamic education shouldn't be confined to Islamic channels only. In-fact, all other national-private and government- channels in all muslim countries should play their role in this regard. Islamic programs, game shows, play and talk shows should be produced and  aired on entertainment and family channels, as such channels attract more viewers than outright Islamic channels. Also, movies and daily soaps should be made on the stories of Islamic heroes, like SALAHUDDIN AYUBI etc to inspire ad attract people towards Islam.

"These efforts will certainly create a society better educated in Islamic values." 

Malik Hassaan