Quiet Summer Days - Good For Reflection

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Life & Society Topics: Media Values: Contentment Views: 1509
1509

Most of us welcome summer for it's fun. It is good to have fun and even better to have lots of it. By the same token it is not a bad idea to also take time out during these pressure-free quiet days of summer season to reflect. 

One of the issue that parents and young adults are generally found to be discussing during summer holidays, is the future academic and career pursuits. Although Islam does not define the fields of education and career a person should choose but clearly offers a value system. And that is (1) we must recognize that the Ultimate Knowledge of everything belongs to Him alone (2) our choices should serve larger good in addition to our own, and (3) such choices should not conflict with the Islamic value system, also known as Sharia.

It is our fervent hope that we draw the attention of parents and young adults to consider an area largely ignored by Muslims, the Media, in their academic and career planning.  Neither we find Muslims as Journalists nor are there any Muslim media institutions today. In absence of both, it is not fair to blame others for their biases.

In today's globalized communications environment it is neither possible to silent the sender of the message nor to stop the recipient. Satellites do not recognize borders. Case in point is the MTV enterprise that reaches 1 billion people in 18 languages in 164 countries and 8 out of 10 of it's subscribers live outside the United States. It is only logical then that Zaid in Cairo dreams for Michael Jordan shoes, Siddiqa in Jeddah chows on McDonald burgers and Ahmed keeps gulping the Pepsi & Coca Colas in Kuala Lumpur.

US Administration is not shy in recruiting American media and marketing talent to perpetuate this campaign with even more urgency. Late last year the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee introduced Initiative 911 requesting half a billion dollars for a channel to 'compete' with al-Jazeera. The chief aim of this channel is to target young Muslims in the Middle East offering American and Arabic pop music along with a mix of current events and talk shows. This represents a new phase of the propaganda war and a third prong for the US in the media onslaught upon the world.

The vision of the US Administration is crystal clear - (1) a clear strategic mission and vision for U.S. international broadcasting, (2) to provide the financial resources to get the job done, and (3) use the talent that the United States has, all of it, to communicate that vision to the world.

Words may not do justice to record the importance of media for Muslims today. The tiny infant al-Jazeera is not challenged by the peers but monstrously huge US Government itself. And, when a State decides to fight a meagerly funded small private enterprise, the result is obvious.

Young Muslims and parents must begin to think above and beyond themselves and for the larger good. Young Muslims must prefer to pursue the discipline of media as their primary choice and Parents must discourage them to become Doctors and encourage them to become Writers, Broadcasters, Producers and all else.

Let us ask Allah to bless us enjoy our summer and also to give us time and wisdom to reflect and listen to the silent cries of the world and wipe her tears and free her from the bondage of man and the pangs of hunger and pain of injustices so brutally inflicted upon her.


  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Life & Society
  Topics: Media  Values: Contentment
Views: 1509

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Older Comments:
M H LAKDAWALA FROM INDIA said:
Its a thought provoking piece buts its asking an individuals to think and compete with media supported by the USA adminstration.This is wishfulthinking.Unless the Muslim countries as whole take interest in media its not going to make much difrence.
2002-09-21

SARAH FROM SAUDIARABIA said:
Ireally like your idea and I feel that it needs to be seriously looked into. There is a new channel coming up in London called the Voice of Muslims and i believe that more channels of this sort would help in bridging the 'chasm' that exists between the Knowledge of Islam and its actual Practice (regarding muslims); plus it would also present a clear picture of the Fastest Growing Religion in the World to non-muslims. I have done a course in Journalism myself and write to newspapers and the like whenever I feel that a wrong needs to be set right, but I believe that concerted efforts by organized groups of people only can help us in this war against the tainting of Islam. There is a deplorable communication gap between our Muslim brethren, like this is the first time I got to know about your site, but the time has come to get together and do something for our religion.
2002-07-06

SABNAM(SABBO) KAZI FROM INDIA said:
I am very happy to knwo about your work
sabbo
2002-06-30

DR. SHAHUL HAMEED BIN MOHAMED IBRAHIM FROM MALAYSIA said:
Asslamualaikum

I very much support the call for young Muslims in Media as a career. Any parent wishing to put their children may like to consider the Mass Communication program in the Kulliyah of Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. the fees are very reasonable. where the student will be exposed to both Islamic Sciences and Mass Comm. A graduate will be equipped with the necessary skills to fight the media war against Islam. webpage www.iiu.edu.my

wasalam

2002-06-25

MOHAMMED MOBASSHIR QUAMAR FROM INDIA said:
ASSALAMU ALAIKUM
Your idea of making more jornalist is really good, That's the only way we can overcome the U.S. I am an engineer and I too have an idea of being a journalist what am I to do.Your information is really valuable. Please keep sending such informations.
Wassalam
2002-06-21

MOHAMMAD AMIN TAHER FROM USA said:
I think this article is worth following by all of the billion-strong muslim house-hold spreading across the globe. The point on Journalistic enterprising is worth a million other solutions to my family called Muslims.
I hope to see some such day when Muslims can express their views in a way that the outer world can hear.
Insha Allah.
Khuda Haafiz.
2002-06-21

NAHED EL-KHOLY,M.D. FROM U.S.A. said:
I agree with every thing you said, I think Parents should encourage youth to pursue careers as Lawyers, Broadcasters, Journalists.We need our childen who speak with no accent to speak loud and clear about Islam and the truth about us and our issues to oppose to the negative propaganda against us on the media.
We actually need to sponsor Islamic programs on National T.V...at least 2-3 hours a week. We can rent the time, we have to broadcast our points of views, the reality of what is happening in the Middle East..........Muslims all over the U.S. are more concerned to build mosques and Islamic schools instead of buying a radio station or as I mentioned earlier to rent T.V time to get the truth and facts heard. People here are sympathising more with Israel point of view because they hear their side of the story on every radio station and on every t.v. channel...I am sure we 'Muslims' have the money but we need the will...I can pledge $1-2000 a year to initiate the fund for Islamic broadcasting, for educating people about Islam and make our world wide distorted immage clear and clean.We need to talk loud about our issues and what we need to establish and negotiate for our cause. What do you think?

2002-06-15

SANDY FROM KUWAIT said:
I think you're right about the Muslims despreately needing Muslim journalists today. It is one of the big problems. However, I don't think it's the main problem at all. I think it's the failing of Islamic nations and institutions to recognize the IMPORTANCE of the media. The US Muslims like Muslims elsewhere in the world are poorly organized, too full of their own differences to cooperate with each other, though they cooperate better than many others. The US government, on the other hand, is highly organized. When people become organized and work together, the potential to change things becomes powerful. Muslims are so caught up in being different that they don't work together. Rasulallah (Saw) said that the Muslim Umma needs to be one, unified, under one leader. Since that is not even remotely true today, Muslims need to look for the common good of working together. Look beyond the differences. These differences may look phenominal when examined closely, but we're much closer than many think we are. It is Shaitan who is working to fragment the Muslims. Unfortunately, I believe his plan is working. Muslims' differences between each other is minimal when compared to the differences between Muslims and non-Muslims. If we don't stand up and join hands soon, I fear the worst for the Muslim world. We are being attacked by both Christians and Jews. We are being defamed and slandered by more than that. Educating people about Islam should be a main focus of the Arab/Muslim world. In today's society that means getting on the internet, getting onto TV, getting into the newspapers. Media is where you reach people. The world moves at such a fast pace, who takes the time nowadays to sit down and read books for information? Most don't. They read news headlines, watch the news, and perhaps browse the net. If you can't catch their attention in those places, you've pretty much lost them.
2002-06-14

ZAMIR FROM USA said:
assalamo alaykum
i read this current article alhamdolillah its exellent advice
i have a ? for you why behrin puts band on al-zazira news?walaikum
2002-06-13

MADMAX FROM MOROCCO said:
As much as I am reluctant to nag about other's comments I cannot help but point out that Sabra seems to either, be a confused person, did not take time to fully comprehend this article or has a problem with the English language, which I assume is Sabra's first or second language (if anyone cares it is my fourth).
On the other hand as a confessed "not very political" (or I again assume) must be completely apolitical, I easily understand why Sabra totally missed the point.

Besides my nagging, I have a question for everyone, if anyone knows how we can support al-Jazeera in any way, please provide the information on this site.

Allah Hafiz
2002-06-13

KHADIJA IFTIKHAR FROM CANADA said:
very good suggetion. we have to think plan & do some thing about it . we can't just sit &let them do what ever they want& let them plan for us
2002-06-13

SABRA FROM USA said:
Your newsletter seems biased against America at times. You will not get any support by being biased. You have mentioned our broadcasting across the world and how we reach and influence others without borders for satellites. Well, you are doing the same thing with your newsletter here in America. You have some nerve. I say you should be careful because you can bet the American government is watching you. I am not your average American either. I was Muslim for 10 years. My children (all three) are Muslims. My son in law is Muslim. If your newsletter was more objective it would have more credibility. I respect your plight but I don't respect the disrespect you seem to have at times for America. You are in America. Take it or leave it, literally. If you as a group have a narrow vision how do you expect Americans and their government to not have a narrow vision about you? Subjectivity causes narrowed vision. Objective thinking widens horizons. I am not very political but this is my opinion presently, based on the information I have observed. I would not mind hearing your opinion on this comment. Thank you.
2002-06-13

NIRGAZ ABDULLAH FROM AMERICA said:
Assalam ale kum:
Thanks for the latest newsletter. I just graduated with a degree in Journalism in May. My dream is to Insh'Allah establish either a nationwide Muslim newspaper or TV network, or perhaps both if I can. I would like to encourage as many people as I can to enter into the Mass Communications field so that these dreams of mine can become a reality for the whole U.S. Muslim communtiy and the Ummah at large.
2002-06-13

DR. N.M. AHMED FROM CANADA said:
While I agree that we need more Muslims in certain fields of endeavour, I cannot agree
that parents should force their children to adopt one field or another. I have taught Physics at University level at several colleges and universities in various countries including Pakistan, United States and Canada and I have always found that when a student is not performing well it has been because he was forced by parents to choose certain field. The field thus chosen may not be compatible with the talent of the person and thus not useful to him/her.

It will be best if the parents just guide their children to choose the field that they like and excel in. This way the student will enjoy the studies and be successful. I am sure, inshaAllah, some of them will choose fields that we are lacking in at the time.

May Allah help and advance the Muslims. Aameen.
2002-06-13

LEILA FROM CANADA said:
Subhan'allah this last part brought tears to my eyes, for I often think of my worries and not that of my fellow muslims that worry if they will be fed tonight! Thank so much(or should i say Jazaku lahukair) for making me realize this now. Indeed much reflection is needed. Youth like my self need to get into the media and hard productive subjects that will give us moslims the momentum that we need and less tedious jobs(if one can )
To all my muslim people i love you all for you are my brothers and my sisters

your sister in islam Leila
2002-06-11

SAMINA FROM USA said:
being a doctor u earn more money so u can help ur country.in touch with modern knowledge.while unity of muslims is a must thing which they r ignorant of.we must do things to make muslims litterate to compete other nations.also prepare them to compete with other religions.so we should not forget islamic values.as a saying of prophet 'seek knowledge is duty of every male and female muslim'.becoming media reporter is also necessary but in this world who ever speaks truth recieve the punishment of being burned and disabled.
2002-06-11

OSMAN AHMED OKYERE FROM GHANA said:
Asalaam Alaikum.
Iam very happy that muslims have relised this problem . My suggestion is that the concentration must not be on satelite T. V. which most of the worls poor people cant still afford it. The concentration must be of something like muslims helping to set up radio stations and and news papers in poor countries such as my country Ghana . I have progressive ideas for such a thing to help concientize muslims so if anybody knows somebody who is interested in that and want to invest ,please let me know and Inshalaah it would be a success.
Salaam Alaikum.
Osman Ahmed
2002-06-11

CAPT,DR,MOHAMMAD YOUSUF KHAN FROM PAKISTAN said:
dear sir aoa
i fully agree with you ,but how we must do it cuz when some poor man tries todo it he is repressed by own muslims .may Allah help you to have this goal and achieve the required things . if i can help in this i am ready for .
2002-06-11

SARIYAH FROM UNITED STATES said:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
I just finished reading the article on Islamic broadcasting and media. I totally agree with this mission and support any and all Muslims that are in this field or trying to become broadcastors. Insha-Allah I pray that Allah ta'ala allows us to be successful in completing this mission ameen. I also wanted to know if this idea was going to be represented at the 37th annual ISNA conference? I would looove to help out in anyway that is possible Insha-Allah.
My Salaams,
Sabriyah
2002-06-11

NIELA PEACH FROM GHANA said:
Assalamu alaikum,

This was a very interesting article on encouraging young Muslims to become media people (reporters). However, perhaps the only avenue open to them when they pursue this endeavour will continue to be the Internet and even then they can expect to have their work destroyed and/or interfered with by those who are afraid of letting the truth come out.

I'm afraid I am very skeptical of their chances for employment in the mainstream media which is pushed onto the hapless world **free of charge** these days. The people who OWN the media keep very close control over the opinions and attitudes expressed therein. In fact, that's why they own the media in the first place: in order to control and influence public opinion. Perhaps we should instead encourage youngsters to Insha'Allah become media OWNERS or to establish new and competing media organisations of their (our)own? To do otherwise is akin to what the Tobagonians describe as 'spinning top in mud'.

Masalama
Laila
2002-06-11

SYED NEAZ AHMAD FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
That makes two of us! I have been writing on such issues - Arab News & Saudi Gazette Jeddah & Impact International, London. We need to get out of the rut. Allah has assured that He is Khair Al-Raziqeen. Muslims need to enter the field of mass media in large numbers.

Jaza'k Allah Khair. I might reproduce some of your ideas in my next column with due credit of course. Take care & Ma' Assalam.
2002-06-11

ASEEM FROM DUBAI said:
Just wondering, all that encouragement by parents of Muslimyoung ones, to become doctors have ultimately yeilded in how many Muslim doctors, world class or pioneers in some field of medicines.
Encouraging Muslim kids to become media barons will yeild as many journalists worth their name on the world scene. Let's try to build attitude in our kids instead and encourage them to excel in whatever they wish to do. InshAllah...we will find an all round development.
2002-06-11

DR.ZAFAR ABBAS KHAN FROM PAKISTAN said:
hello,your observations are very right.Muslims are light years behind the civilized nations in the field of modern information technology.Hence suffering a tremendous loss in every field of life.It is a high time to wake-up and join the race.
2002-06-11

SAADIA FROM USA said:
The article, 'Quiet Summer Days - Good For Reflection' is a great reflection of our Muslim society today especially parents encouraging ONLY to go into one field (Medicine). Though this is vital it does not provide power and solidarity in our community, of which we are in great need of. Thank you for posting this article.
2002-06-11

RACHAD MENDOZA FROM USA said:
This article has a very good meaning to it. WHAT BETTER WAY, to keep the Muslim world aprised of current relative topics and news. YES.....we must encourage journalism into our youth. Very good point on the MTV comparison. BOTTOM LINE: If you put something in front of someone.....they will begin to remember it and it will have an influence on them.
2002-06-10

HASSAN ABDUR-RAHEEM FROM USA said:
AsSalaamu Alaikum

If this was posted by an individual I probably would not comment. However, because it appears as a bulletin, I will. I strongly disagree with the paragraph near the end that states

"Young Muslims must prefer to pursue the discipline of media as their primary choice and Parents must discourage them to become Doctors and encourage them to become Writers, Broadcasters, Producers and all else."

Do you somehow think that it would be good to have excellent media coverage by Muslims but trust non-Muslims for ALL (remember, doctors are to be discouraged) of our medical needs as Muslims? Do we want our wives, sisters and daughters being patients of White, non-Muslim, male OB/GYNs? If you listen to the Muslim sisters then you know that female, Muslim OB/GYNs are near the top of their medical wish list.

I think it is wrong to suggest discouraging our children from becoming doctors. Media coverage is by far less important than medical care.

I hope to see a statement that will either clarify or retract the statement.
2002-06-10

MAZEN OUDEH FROM USA said:
I agree that more Muslims in the media would greatly benefit Islam.
I feel that parents should encourage their children to pursue a career in journalism.
However if a youth has an ambition of pursuing a career other than journalism, then the youth should pursue his ambition and should be completly supported. A Muslim journalist who is not satisfied with a career that has been chosen for him will make a poor jounrnalist.
2002-06-10

SHAZ FROM UK LONDON said:
Salaams

I likes your mail and it is true but parents should not discourage ppl from bein doctors becoz it is up to a person but instead encourage them to b wateva dey want to b
2002-06-10

SIS. AMINA FROM USA said:
ASA being female and a servant of Allah, I don't wish to discourage our youth from becoming doctors, especially since I was diagnosed with cancer 1 year ago. The only doctors I see are Jewish, and I know how much they want to help me recover!! However, the need for journalists and the like are also much needed according to the information you presented. There is sooo much work to be done, anyone who asks "what can I do?" should be handed a leaflet put together by our "leaders" that offers a list of things that don't only ask someone to send in money that many just don't have. More could be said on that topic too! Ihope the opportunity presents itself reeal sssoooonnn!! Ma'salaams
2002-06-10

ZAINUDDIN BIN MEERASAHIB FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamu Alaikum, WRWB. Your article is not only timely and apt for the present disastrous situation the Umma is immersed in. Only through an excellent mass communication net work and well easured language,we can relay to the world our calamitous condition, and find suitable remedies so that we restore the lost glory, and reestablish atleast an equal footing with other humanities of the world.
2002-06-10

MOHAMMED INAM FROM US said:
This is a Bigest truth, I from last one year feeling same way. I wish some one should be drive a compain to bring a muslim own channel in US and Europe, there are a lot of web site working for islam, that mean number of good people are there, who can work in media. We should go for a cable channel a regular one, and should ask every muslim country to share money and get some time to bring muslim view and other matters, this should be 24 Hr channel and have a good local coverage for muslim comunity as wel US news with our views. Please be a first to start it. Allah will Help us. Amin.
2002-06-10

MUBEEN MAJID FROM KUWAIT said:
your islamiccity is a woderful site please keep sending me more about islam and other lectures on islam and etc
2002-06-10

NILU FROM UK said:
I always read your articles, and, mashaallah, they enrich and teach me lots.
But I've been dreaming of becomind a doctor inshaallah when I grow up. And in this article, you mentioned that PARENTS MUST DISCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN FROM BECOMING DOCTORS. Why is this so? In't a doctor doing good to many?
I am quite confused- Please reply.
Allah (S.W.) Bless You All.
2002-06-10

PRINCE MTELERA FROM MALAWI, AFRICA said:
As Muslims we have not yet done enough to monopolise Media. We are ill trained in the sector and this calls for high trained personnel in the industry.
More money to be pumped in projects that will address training needs of Muslim media personnel.
One living example is myself. As a muslim journalist I have been offered a place to study for a masters Degree in Mass comm but no sponsor from the Muslim community has come forward to fund me despite my several efforts to apply for muslim sponsoring agents. As of now the course begins in September and I have no sponsor and I will painfully watch that chance by pass me like that .
Muslims its high time we realised the need to hollistically make use of media if at all we need to counter attack efforts of enemies of Islam like USA.Wasallam
PRINCE MTELERA , Blantyre Malawi.
2002-06-10

DR. M,KHAN FROM AUSTRALIA. said:
congratulation on your article I fully support this very commendible suggestion. Training of our young people in the field ofwriting ,journalism media presentation has become urgent and mandatory. Especially when some popular and blatantly prejudiced anti muslim media not only doctor the news but also the graphic pictures. for e.g.The palestinian women crying in anguish to witness the annihilation of her home .the Dutch press showed this in its stark nakedness.But the west chose to obliterate the womans figure. such is the distortion.the basic demoninator is to know your Islam and the fundamental teachings so thast the Youth is released to the hostile predators fully equipped to face challenge with solid confidence. and above all one must be not only well versed in the History of the region and its demography but must take cognisance of the agenda of the Imperialist to tear into the fragile tapestry of the fragmented Ummah.If we dont change we will remain the same. Mahmood khan Sydney.
2002-06-10

MME SAPHILINA OMARIMSANGI FROM RWANDA, AFRICA said:
I have been working in many international organizations and one of them is Pan African News Agency, Dakar Senegal and Harare, Zimbabwe. While I was working as Administrative Assistant, some good journalists insisted that I should learn journalism and communications which I took apart from being bilingual in English, French and Swahili. Working with jonurnalists I found out that communications is the best tool to fight any war and I suggest that being a muslim woman I have strong feelings that we need to educate our children especially girls to this field which speaks by itself.
Wasallam.
2002-06-10

JANET FROM BEXAR said:
The message regarding media professions is good. I suspect that that is why the U.S. military is moving some of their 'stuff' to Qatar, so that they can work on discrediting 'Al Jazeera'. Televised media (from U.S) is very dangerous because it is in everybody's home. Hopefully, the Muslim nations will choose to boycott this obvious propoganda. Or there could be Muslim comedy programs that portray the U.S. media station as humorous and full of 'crap'.
2002-06-10

NOOR FROM UAE said:
Why doesn't Jazeera broadcast in English to make all Muslims aware of what's going on in the world?

Salaam
2002-06-10

MEGHAN O'CONNOR FROM USA said:
Assalam aleikum. OK I LIKED YOUR ARTICLe, but where are the muslims to help these graduates. I am a muslim alhumdillah, and I have A B.A in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and I can not find a job!! Is there any islamic organizations that can offer this too me?????? [email protected]
2002-06-09

FAISAL AZEEM FROM PAKISTAN (RESIDING IN USA) said:
Assalam o alaikum,

With my heart really touched with this I pray for Al-Jazeerah and support this point of our youngsters to join these fields, as this is really the call of time. For the others brothers and sisters who are not in this field, atleast we can keep our choice of watching the TV concentrated on channels which talk for us.

May Allah Bless the Ummah.

Regards,
2002-06-09

JAMES FROM BRITAIN said:
I do not agree that it is neccessary to discourage young muslims to become doctors, though of course the profession does have it's own short-comings.
2002-06-09

ANWAR ARNOLD FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
This article reveals that the author is Americanised in his/her logic.
I am a father of four children.The only motivation our children need is that whatever field of study they follow, must be understood in terms of the koran and sunnah.If they cannot see this logic , I question their motivation for following that particular field.Our rich heritage
will lead the way as it did our beloved Prophet(SAW)and his companions - a small infant who challenged not only the minds of the Quraysh but
is still challenging the world today.
Yes the media and the way it manufacture the news
fool many muslims and thereby make fools of them
as more become consumers of so-called brands.
Our skills as muslims in every sense of Islamic
Philosophy needs to be relearned and sharpened.
For example:How many Muslim institutions have made clear the meaning of "suicide bombing" as it
is reflected in the western media today.We still
read articles by muslim scholars confirming the slander(suicide bombing).Our children are asked
about "jihad". What is their response and what should it be? How many muslim students read Noam Chomsky or question the video by Steven Emerson?
Your American President says that freedom was attacked on 9-11.How can you be free when your logic is clouded by manufactured news.
In conclusion gain as much knowledge in the name
of ALLAH and read in the name of ALLAH as we are all commanded in the first revealed verse.
Al-ghamdu lillah.
ALLAH knows best.
Anwar.
2002-06-09

MUJAHID ABDUL-AHAD FROM U.S A said:
Bismillaah : May The Lord Of All Mankind recognized or not , give unto you and the staff for the necessary need to recogize THAT IN america the word is king. As an Muslim of African descent I speak with some assurance of that power. So please encourage the PEOPLE who are in sure gudience to understand that in america first the money, then the gun, all controlled by the word, or as it is know FREEDOM OF SPEECH ! May Allaah (SWT) Bless your efforts.
2002-06-09

ANELA NAZ FROM UNITED KINDOM said:
Salaam brothers/sisters,

I particularly enjoyed reading this article as I hope to go into journalism after my English degree (I'm currently in the 1st year). The problem is that I am blind and need some advice on how to get into this study field and make the most of it. Please write with any helpful suggestions. Thanks again for a wonderful peice of work to spread the Islamic beauty to the Muslims.

Was Salaam
2002-06-09

NATHAN BILAL LANG FROM USA said:
As salaam alaikum, wa rahma tullahi wa barakatahu.
I find it appalling that the Muslim American Society that is lead by Imam Warith Deen Mohammed is not considered for the journalism it provides. I can see that no matter what African Americans do they will not be acknowledged and recognized as Muslims by the so-called foreign born Muslims.
Why are we overlooked and disregarded? Look at the record of African American Muslims and give them some credit for their accomplishments in the areas of media and dawah to America. They still face racism and prejudice from fair to light skined Muslims. Al-Islam is the answer to all of humanity's problems and nothing else will negate this truth. African American Black Muslims are doing what they can to spread Al-Islam and should be joined by foreign and non-black Muslims.
2002-06-09

MARY R. BARRY FROM USA said:
Assalamu Alaikum
Re: your Weekly Editorial-encouraging youth to
become involved in the media.

While a STAUNCH ADVOCATE for our youth in this
field, we, as Muslim Americans cannot go "off" & ignore
the other needed/necessary OTHER PROFESSIONS:

We need more muslims in government, education,
social work, drug & alcohol abuse programs(sadly, we
do have brothers & sisters who are addicted).We need
Qualified, understanding muslims in
counseling-marriage, parenting, marriage preparation;
in parent, spousal & child abuse-as well as Islamic
teaching on homosexuality & AIDS.
We need more training for Imams & Boards in
communication, reorganization, DIVERSITY
TRAINING, DIVERSITY TRAINING- ... the lists go on...

PLEASE continue your advocacy for "Media Trained
Personnel", but please DO NOT forget to encourage our
youth and the rest of the Ummah to pray for guidance
from A llah to learn how tp deal in an Islamic manner
with the situations presented in America to many
immigrant muslims, as well as muslim Americans.

May Allah Bless & guide us all. Ameen.
My salaams,
Sr. Mary

parent, spousal & child abuse, AIDS, homosexuality
2002-06-09

LOUBNA NASSER FROM U.S. said:
I DO AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE MEDIA IS ONE OF THE WEAPONS THAT THE U.S. USE TO DESTROY ISLAM OR ANY ENEMY THAT STANDS IN IT'S WAY TO REACH THE GOAL. WHAT I AM STILL QUESTIONING IS: DOES THE MUSLIM'S INVESTMENT IN THE MEDIA GAME, REWARDING? WE AS MUSLIMS BELEIVE IN MORALS SUCH AS HONESTY, TRUTHFULLNESS, AND LOYALTY. ALL THESE MORALS ARE SET ASIDE WHEN IT COMES TO THE MEDIA OF THE U.S. . THIS IS A MAJOR REASON WHY MUSLIM'S ARE ALWAYS PORTRAYED AS BARBARIAN, TERRORIST, ... ETC. THEY ARE NOT GOOD AT THE SHOW, SINCE THEY ARE ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE. SOMETHNG THAT COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THE U.S.
2002-06-09

MUHAMMAD ASIF FROM PAKISTAN said:
AssalmuAlikum,

This article is really about what exactly needed today. There is need to have such institute along with technical colleges and universities to produce good journalists and other meida persons. Its total media war now. Muslim should understand the importance of media. This is really thought provoking for parents and youngsters. Thanks a ton for such good stuff.
2002-06-09

NAFEES AHMAD FROM THE USA said:
Dear Editor,

Assalam-O-alaikum,

I do not know what continuous exhorting to do this and do not do this helps much anyone.
We have to give practical, tangible advise for the youth. Too much of this and that is just idle talk.
Furthermore, it does not help at all to tell Muslims not to become doctors. They become doctors not because that is a noble profession, but because it offers not only high regard in the community but it pays and pays and pays. Even the regard and respect in the community is because they can have bigger houses and better cars and all the trappings that superflous cash can bring.
I am prepared to help you provide solid advice to your audiences which will uplift not only their morale but also give then what is needed to really help Muslims in this world.
Please respond to this message and we can start a dialogue with people responsible in your organisation to Really help Muslim.
First the leaders must know what is good for us before thrusting various things at the public willy nilly.

Hope we can start a serious discussion and also form a serious group of people willing to do something other than idle talk and more talk.

Fi Aman Ullah

Nafees Ahmad

2002-06-08

IRSHAD AHMED FROM INDIA said:
Would like to do a course in Journalism. Could you please let me know some of the best Institutes that teach journalism. Are there any age restrictions. I am 37 years old. Can I earn as well while I am still doing the course. I was always interested in current affairs and realised the importance of journalism. Do any organisations in the Islamic World sponsor students for journalism? Please let me know as soon as possible.
2002-06-08

NESSERIDIN NURHUSSIEN FROM ETHIOPIA said:
ASLAMWUALIKUM BR&SR
MAY ALLAH HELP YOU ALL YOUR EFFORT WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO SHOW TO THE YOUNG KIDS TO THE RIGHT PATH.
OUR JOURNEY IS FAR AND A LOT WORK TO DO.MAY ALLAH BE WITH US ALL THE TIME.AMEEN.
LET FORGET ABOUT MOST ARABS LEADERS THEY ARE GOOD FOR NOTHIG.ALLAH GAVE US ALL NEEDS,BUT UNFORTUNETLY ON THE WRONG HAND.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK TO THE ALMIGHTY THE MOST MERCIFUL.AMEEN.

2002-06-08

KHADIJAH FROM USA said:
It is really pathetic that all the media institutions have been overrun by people who are anti-islam. It behoves us as muslims to try to redress this important element which affects our daily activities. The bias in their presentations on news about things that have any affiliation to Islam is applaing. Take the case of the middle east for instance. It is clear to the whole world that the Palestinian cause is unfairly reported. The situation is portrayed in such a way as to make the world think that the Palestinians are demons only out to kill "innocent Israelis" while the helpless Palestinians with no tanks and armouries who are being killed en masse are never discussed. Do they not know that the orphans of the slayed Plestinians can only grow up with hatred for the killers of his father? May Allah help the muslims to be able to correct this situation by giving us the will-power to pursue relevant disciplines in the communications area. Afterall "the pen is mightier than the sword".
2002-06-08

ABOULAZHAR FROM USA said:
jazakoum Allah khair for such an excellent advice.
may Allah reward you for that
2002-06-08