A Study on the Role of the Media and Its Effect on the Identity of Muslims (Part 32)
The Media of Early Islam and Their Responsibilities from the Perspective of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Today, the widespread presence of mass media in shaping global public opinion is an undeniable fact that has significantly affected contemporary society in terms of structure and content. This influence has become so pervasive and entrenched that the current era is often referred to as the “Age of Media,” with its lifeblood connected to this phenomenon. We see that a crisis of spirituality has impacted the people of the technological age, leading to the formation of emerging religions, particularly in industrial societies. Undoubtedly, this situation calls for the importance of traditional religions to redefine their foundations and establish systematic connections with other domains. Among the most significant of these connections is the relationship between religion and media. Accordingly, the functions of the media have also been influenced by these connections. In the realm of religion, this phenomenon can be explored in the teachings of religious figures.
The Holy Quran and Media Ethics
The Holy Qur’an and the media ethics prescribed by Allah Almighty, communicated through His Prophet, consistently emphasize delivering the essence of the message to the people without any shortcomings. In this holy mission, the responsibilities extend beyond religious and Islamic ideals, and the Holy Qur’an articulates these responsibilities via various injunctions. For instance: “وَأَنذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ؛” “And warn your closest relatives.” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara: 214) In another instance, He commands: “یا أَیهَا الرّسُولُ بَلِّغْ ما أُنْزِلَ إِلَیک مِنْ رَبِّك وَ إِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَما بَلّغْتَ رِسالَتَهُ؛” “O Messenger, convey what you have received from your Lord; and if you do not, you have not fulfilled your mission.” (Surah Al-Ma’ida: 67)
Additionally, information and propaganda from the perspective of the Holy Qur’an are accompanied by specific rules and ethics. The spread of false and unrealistic content should be avoided. The media should publish only credible material that promotes Islamic ethics, as emphasized in the Qur’an: “وَ لا تَقْفُ ما لَیْسَ لَکَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ؛” “And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge.” (Surah Al-Isra: 36)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Media Ethics
We can undoubtedly consider the various forms of media in society today as modern missionaries. Those that best fulfill the mission of spreading faith and ethics fall into the category of religious and moral media. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself conveyed the greatest religious information through the Holy Qur’an and his eloquent teachings. Therefore, the people involved in Islamic media must adhere to certain ethics and responsibilities, which include:
1. Honesty and Realism: The value of media lies in its ability to present programs that are free from lies, exaggeration, and misrepresentation. Sometimes, content is presented in a way that amplifies minor issues or diminishes significant problems, which can hinder societal progress. Islamic media must ensure that reports are honest and that programs are accessible and comprehensible to ordinary individuals. Matters presented should not impose undue burdens on the audience. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) greatly emphasized honesty in all aspects of life, declaring: “الصدق ینجی والکذب یهلک؛” “Truth is salvatory, and lies are destructive.”
2. Audience Awareness: A critical aspect of media policy should be awareness of the audience’s capacity and understanding. While many issues may be correct and logical, there are times when such information should not be made public due to the audience’s inability to comprehend or digest it fully. Islamic media should choose content that aligns with the average understanding of the audience and avoid presenting material that exceeds their capacity. Awareness of the audience’s level is a key consideration in the Prophet’s life.
3. Attention to Islamic Rulings: People in Islamic societies regard Islamic media as vehicles for disseminating Islamic values and often perceive any broadcast as authoritative. Thus, Islamic media should prioritize Islamic etiquette and rules in their operations, ensuring that the content and format of their programs align with Islamic injunctions. This is a fundamental expectation from reputable and influential media.
The conduct and ethics of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were always in accordance with divine injunctions and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, as demonstrated by the narration:
“The character of the Qur’an, the morals and behavior of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were based on the Qur’an.”
4. Companionship and Empathy with the Audience: Without a doubt, Islamic media can serve as centers for unity and harmony within the Islamic community, fostering a sense of Islamic unity among the populace under the guidance of divine commandments. The media have a duty to promote the spirit of empathy and cooperation through appropriate and valuable programming, ensuring that the Islamic community feels a sense of friendship and unity among its members.
5. Avoiding Division and Social Conflict: Islamic media must actively promote unity within society and work diligently to prevent any actions that could lead to division. Pointing out individuals’ flaws or focusing on their weaknesses undermines societal unity; hence, media must prioritize this awareness. However, this is not a blanket approach—when individuals attempt to undermine society with treacherous actions or threaten the pillars and identity of Islam, the media has a duty to inform the public about such individuals and movements, revealing their misdeeds.
In conclusion, every system or regime, regardless of its form, requires principles and frameworks that operate according to the same ethical teachings. The highest and most moderate ethical principles for creating balance and equilibrium in media programming are derived from Islamic principles, which center around individual and social ethics, as well as respect for the privacy of each individual. Islamic media, particularly within an Islamic context, should exemplify and embody these Islamic and ethical principles and regulations.
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