The Importance of Media in Promoting Religion
Mass media refers to the means through which information, statements and news are delivered to the public. It also includes the channels used to influence people’s thoughts, awareness and social attitudes. In this age of technology, radio, television, satellite television, the internet, Facebook and newspapers are widely used as modern media platforms.
Among these, newspapers remain an accessible and important medium with a far-reaching and lasting influence. The free flow of information through the media can bring benefits to humanity, but it can also cause harm.
The views, values and principles of editors and journalists, along with the way they present collected information, can strongly influence public opinion. Therefore, the media can serve the public interest only when news is presented honestly, sincerely and accurately. Sound principles of communication and the basic foundations of responsible journalism are essential for society.
In a broader sense, the revelation sent by Almighty Allah to the prophets and messengers also carried messages to humanity. The history of the prophets and messengers is closely connected with human civilisation. In Islamic terminology, the words Nabi (prophet) and Rasul (messenger) are familiar terms. They conveyed messages to people and warned misguided communities about the consequences of their actions. They also delivered messages of goodness and welfare with honesty and sincerity.
Prophet Noah (PBUH) declared that he conveyed his Lord’s messages to his people and offered them sincere advice. Another prophet told his community that he delivered the messages entrusted to him and was a sincere well-wisher whom they could trust. These declarations, made at the dawn of human civilisation, reflect some of the fundamental qualities of ethical journalism: truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness and concern for people’s welfare.
Journalism can become a noble profession when it follows the example of the prophets in conveying truth and serving humanity. Just as the prophets were bearers of truth and worked for people’s welfare, journalists who uphold honesty and serve the public interest can help create a more ethical and enlightened society.
The beginning of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission was marked by the divine command “Iqra” — “Read.” Reading is therefore essential to journalism. Journalists must read extensively, understand and absorb what they read, and then present information responsibly to the public.
Building moral values in society requires a strong body of journalists committed to ethical principles. To develop such professionals, capable and compassionate leadership in the journalism sector must take the initiative. Honesty must become a guiding force in both literature and journalism.
If these values are upheld, literature, culture, the economy, society and politics can all benefit. Such an environment can contribute to peace, prosperity and well-being for the people of the country. For this reason, journalism should be guided by the ethical principles reflected in the mission of the prophets. History also recounts how the news conveyed by Prophet Joseph (Yusuf)(PBUH) helped restore the sight of his father, Prophet Jacob (Yaqub)(PBUH). The Quran describes the result with the words “Fartadda Basira” — meaning that his sight returned.
Today, people are eagerly waiting for messengers of truth who will deliver news that guides humanity towards lasting welfare and reflects the enduring light of prophetic values.
