A Study on the Role of the Media and its Effect on the identity of Muslims (Part 39)
Features and Principles of Media from the Quranic Perspective
The Quran provides fundamental characteristics essential for creating and developing a robust Islamic media. Below, we will outline several key principles: –
– 11. Realism: Realism is crucial in media work; ignoring the facts familiar to the audience leads to ineffectiveness. The Holy Quran consistently acknowledges past realities while purifying the truth from falsehood, presenting these truths clearly for understanding. Allah says: «آمِنُوا بِما أَنْزَلْتُ مُصَدِّقًا لِما مَعَکُمْ وَ لا تَکُونُوا أَوّلَ کافِرٍ بِهِ» (“And believe in what We have sent down, confirming what is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve in it.” (Al-Baqarah: 41))
– 12. Responsibility: Everyone bears responsibility for their actions. Each individual should use tools appropriately to fulfill their needs and obligations. Allah (s.w.t) states: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge; for the hearing, the sight, and the heart, all will be questioned.” (Al-Isra: 36)
– 13. Justice-Oriented: Justice is a central objective and philosophy of the Islamic mission. Therefore, Islamic media must always strive to uphold justice and operate within its framework.
– 14. Supporting the Oppressed and the Weak: Allah commands fighting for the oppressed and weak against the oppressors, as emphasized in verse 75 of Surah An-Nisa. An Islamic media outlet should adhere to this principle.
– 15. Disclosure in Favor of the Oppressed: When the oppressed wish to disclose their circumstances, the media should facilitate this process in accordance with Allah’s command. Allah says: “He does not like the outcry of abuse, except [from] one who has been wronged, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” (An-Nisa: 148). This illustrates that informing the media about injustice is permissible, particularly for the wronged.
– 16. Tolerance: The Quran encourages dealing with criticism and insults with dignity. An Islamic media outlet should respond to insults with gentleness, avoiding controversy. Allah states: “And the servants of the Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth with gentleness… when the ignorant address them, they respond with gentleness.” (Al-Furqan: 63)
– 17. Enlightening Public Minds: The Quran underscores the importance of enlightening public minds and explaining the truth. This responsibility falls upon Islamic media outlets.
– 18. Encouraging Empathy and Unity: Media should promote a common language and foster unity while preventing division within the community.
– 19. Encourage Cooperation and Piety: Media should focus on facilitating goodwill and encouraging acts of piety among the public.
– 20. Respect for Privacy and Civil Rights: Respecting the privacy and civil rights of individuals is paramount in Islamic media practices.
– 21. Addressing Moral Vices: The media should confront abnormalities and moral vices within society.
– 22. Value-Based Media Management: Media management must be entrusted to individuals with the highest qualifications. “Freedom” should not be misinterpreted to permit the dissemination of inadequacies. Allah selects individuals for this mission, as highlighted in the Quran: «أَرْسَلْناکَ لِلنّاسِ رَسُولاً» (“We have sent you as a Messenger to the people”) (An-Nisa: 79).
This reality highlights the dangers posed by corrupt media management globally and domestically. Such dominance leads to the erosion of values and allows the corrupt to overshadow the righteous.
In summarizing these Quranic characteristics, we recognize the necessity of adherence to these principles in pursuing a healthy and effective media landscape. By doing so, we can foster a media environment that aligns with divine guidance and serves the greater good.
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