Educating the west on Islam via the media

Abstract

The most important role of the media play is agenda-setting and representation. The media, particularly from the West seems to feature Islam constantly in the negative light. The portrayal of the negative image of Islam takes place by constructing an image of Islam with terrorism, violence, extremism and antipathy to the West. A more recent phenomenon of Western media towards Islam is the fanning of the flames of 'Islamophobia', a form of concerted efforts directed to frighten the world of the hostility and enmity imposed by Islam. Islam is allegedly treated by the media as a threat to the West. It may not be entirely the fault of the media to depict Islam negatively when there are military groups such as Al-Qaida and Jemaah Islamiyyah had resorted to violent acts. The Muslim world, nevertheless, need to respond to such striking negative features of Islam. Contrary to what is generally perceived by the West, Islam in its real essence means 'submission' and 'peace', a religion that calls for resignation to Allah and promotes and defends peace in the person. Islam is a religion that entails the aspect of moderation, tolerance and moral codes that are universal in nature. The media is a very powerful tool for effective communication and dissemination about Islam which the Muslim world could utilize to educate the West.