By Dada Ahmed.
In today’s interconnected world, the role of the media in shaping perceptions, influencing opinions, and guiding societal trends is undeniable. As an ever-present force in modern life, the media has not only transformed how we interact with the world, but also how religious and cultural ideologies are disseminated. Islam, with over a billion followers globally, has been deeply affected by this transformation. The media serves as a bridge between the teachings of Islam and the global community, but it also plays a critical role in shaping the perception of Islam, both within and outside the Muslim world. Understanding the ways in which the media propagates Islam reveals that much about its impact on faith, culture, and global relations.
In the traditional sense, Islam was propagated orally or through written texts. However, as media technologies such as radio, television, and the internet have emerged, they have become instrumental in disseminating Islamic teachings. Television channels like NTA, Al Jazeera, and satellite networks like the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), have broadened the reach of Islamic knowledge far beyond the local mosques and religious centers. These platforms provide daily broadcasts of sermons, teachings from scholars, discussions on Islamic jurisprudence, and interpretations of the Qur’an. They offer a much-needed outlet for Muslims to learn, regardless of geographical constraints.
In the digital age, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have become a primary source of communication, information sharing, and community building for millions. For Muslims, social media offers an opportunity to interact with a global ummah (community). It allows individuals to spread Islamic knowledge, teachings, and practices by sharing short videos, articles, and reflections. Islamic influencers, scholars, and thought leaders use these platforms to reach younger generations, offering alternative narratives to the often negative portrayal of Islam in the mainstream media.
The portrayal of Islam in global news outlets is a key area of concern. Historically, the news media has often focused on the extremes—terrorist acts, religious violence, and political unrest—in its coverage of Muslim-majority countries. This selective representation has contributed to widespread misconceptions and fear around Islam. However, many journalists and media outlets are increasingly recognizing the need to present a more balanced view. By highlighting the positive contributions of Muslims to society—through stories of charity, scientific achievements, and peacebuilding efforts—the media can help shift the narrative and offer a more holistic understanding of Islam.
Islamic television and radio stations are important sources of both religious and cultural content. For example, channels like MBC Islam and Al-Majd have programming dedicated to Islamic teachings, while also exploring Islamic history, culture, and art. These channels give Muslims an accessible space to learn about the religion in their native languages and dialects. Furthermore, radio programs in Arabic, Urdu, English, and other languages enable Muslims to stay connected with their faith and community while living in the diaspora.
Film has long been a medium for storytelling and cultural exchange, and in recent years, Islamic themes have begun to find a greater presence in cinema. Films like The Message (1976), which chronicles the life of Prophet Muhammad, and The Kite Runner (2007), based on Khaled Hosseini’s novel, provide a portrayal of Islamic culture and history that is accessible to a global audience. Documentaries and short films created by both Muslims and non-Muslims can also offer insights into the religion’s rich intellectual, spiritual, and cultural traditions. This medium serves as a powerful tool for dispelling myths, educating audiences, and promoting greater understanding of Islam.
The challenge of misrepresentation in the media remains one of the most pressing issues in the propagation of Islam. The sensationalist portrayal of Islam in the aftermath of tragic events, such as terrorist attacks, often reinforces negative stereotypes. The media’s tendency to equate Islam with violence or extremism distorts the true message of Islam, which advocates for peace, justice, and compassion. It is critical for media outlets, both in Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries, to strive for accuracy, sensitivity, and respect when reporting on Islam and its adherents.
In addition to social media, the internet has fostered a proliferation of Islamic websites, forums, and online learning platforms that cater to Muslims seeking knowledge. Websites like Islamicity, Al-Islam.org, and SeekersGuidance offer free access to articles, lectures, and Qur’anic interpretations from respected scholars. These platforms allow individuals to learn about Islam from credible sources and engage in discussions with fellow Muslims worldwide. They have also made religious education more accessible to Muslims living in non-Muslim-majority countries, where finding local religious instruction might be difficult.
Another fascinating aspect of media’s role in propagating Islam is the rise of Muslim content creators. In the era of YouTube and podcasts, many Muslim influencers have created spaces for discussing not only Islamic teachings but also how they intersect with modern issues. For example, Muslim scholars, activists, and lifestyle bloggers have gained substantial followings by offering advice on topics like prayer, halal eating, Islamic finance, and personal development through a distinctly Islamic lens. These influencers provide a relatable, contemporary way of engaging with the faith.
The media has also been instrumental in bridging divides within the Muslim world. As Islam is a diverse religion, with various sects, schools of thought, and cultural practices, media platforms offer a space for dialogue and understanding. Through interfaith and intra-faith dialogues, television programmes and online forums allow Muslims of different backgrounds,whether Sunni or Shia, Arab or non-Arab,to communicate and engage in constructive discussions. This helps to foster unity among Muslims worldwide while also promoting tolerance and understanding between Islam and other religious groups.
Western media’s depiction of Islam has undeniably shaped global perceptions, but it has also led to a growing sense of resistance and counter-narrative within the Muslim community. Muslim scholars, activists, and ordinary citizens have used the same tools(television, the internet, and social media) to challenge stereotypes and promote a more accurate representation of their faith. These efforts have led to a greater emphasis on highlighting the beauty, depth, and universality of Islamic teachings. While the influence of Western media remains powerful, the rise of alternative media voices allows Muslims to assert their own identity and narratives.
In recent years, there has been a shift in how Islam is presented commercially. Islamic branding and advertising have increasingly become mainstream, with businesses targeting Muslim audiences by promoting products that align with Islamic principles, such as halal food and ethical banking. This development has made Islam more visible in global markets and shows how media and commercial sectors are aligning with the growing Muslim consumer base. By supporting businesses that reflect Islamic values, the media can contribute to a more authentic representation of Islam’s integration into modern life.
In a predominantly secular world, the media plays an essential role in preserving and propagating Islamic values. Islamic broadcasters and content creators work to uphold the core principles of the religion, such as justice, charity, modesty, and respect for human dignity, while also navigating contemporary challenges. Through the media, Muslims are able to maintain their religious identity, offer advice on how to integrate Islamic values into daily life, and encourage positive contributions to the global community.
As the media plays such a significant role in shaping public opinion, it carries an ethical responsibility to represent Islam with fairness and accuracy. This responsibility extends beyond simply reporting facts to ensure that the underlying messages about Islam are presented with cultural sensitivity and respect for the diversity within the Muslim world. Journalists and media outlets should be trained to distinguish between radical elements and the broader, peaceful message of Islam, and to recognize their role in either perpetuating or breaking down harmful stereotypes.
Looking ahead, the role of the media in propagating Islam will continue to evolve. As new technologies emerge, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and immersive media experiences, these tools will further expand the potential for sharing Islamic teachings. Whether through virtual mosques, online Qur’an study groups, or interactive documentaries, media will remain an essential force in connecting Muslims to their faith and sharing Islamic knowledge with the world.
In the final analysis,it must be acknowledged that the media plays a crucial role in the propagation of Islam, helping to spread knowledge, connect global communities, and challenge misconceptions.
From traditional television broadcasts to social media, websites, and even new forms of digital content, media serves as both a tool of education and a platform for debate.
However, with this power comes the responsibility to ensure that Islam is portrayed accurately and with respect, fostering a deeper understanding of its core teachings. By doing so, the media can be a force for good in bridging cultural divides, dispelling stereotypes, and highlighting the beauty of Islam to the world.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
