How does media effect Islam as a religion?
What is the role of media in Islam?
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, the first being Christianity. However, it is the fastest-growing religion. Many groups feel intimidated by this rapid growth of Islam. They use their influence and power to hamper the image of Islam and control the spread of religion. The 9/11 terrorist attack made their task easier. Hence Islamophobia came into being. The term describes the harmful media effect on Islam.
Media is a powerful tool of communication. People believe what they see on television, read in newspapers, and listen to on the radio. The terrorist attack of 9/11 took a toll on people worldwide. This enabled conspirators to cast a negative media effect on Islam. Islam became synonymous with terrorism. The media has demonized and portrayed Islam and its beliefs as promoting war and terrorism. People started to stereotype all Muslims as terrorists. It became extremely difficult for Muslims to live their lives normally in western countries. People hurled abuses and labeled the Muslims as warmongers and terrorists. The prejudice of the media in the portrayal of Muslims is one of the reasons for such erratic behavior.
Social media effect on Islam:-
Social media is different from traditional media. While traditional media emits information, generating one-way communication, social media allows for two-way communication. Also, social media gives power to everyone to create content. With the advent of social media, the negative media effect on Islam has decreased considerably. It gave power to Muslims to raise their voice and show the world how a true Muslim is.
 While media is a powerful tool of communication, social media is much stronger. Especially during the pandemic, people used social media to connect with their beloveds, work from home, and continue their education while maintaining a physical distance. Social media effect on Islam has been a positive one as many ulemas and organizations used different platforms to educate people about Islam. It helped connect Muslims the world over and feel like an ummah, united by faith. It allowed people to engage in healthy discussions about faith, weaknesses, and ways to overcome them. Many Islamic websites and forums played a crucial role in the spread of religion, especially in North America and Europe. Many people who wish to study Quran with correct pronunciation and understand its meaning have been able to do so because of social media. Youtube channels, online Quranic classes, and Quranic apps help Muslims increase their knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran. Many people also use social media to prepare for their Hajj Umrah trip. Tutorials help people learn the rituals of the pilgrimage. Once you book your affordable Umrah packages, social media can help you pack and prepare for the holy trip.
What does Islam say about social media?
Islam is a very progressive religion that teaches its believers to gain education, discover new methods and technologies, and strive for a better world. However, Islam maintains people must observe the highest levels of morals and principles in their conduct. Social media is no different.
Islam is a religion that advocates its followers to enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong. Every Muslim must prevent the negative media effect on Islam. When using social media, Islam teaches people to exercise responsibility. Here are some guidelines according to Islam when using social media.
Have good intentions:-
Allah judges every action upon intention. When using social media, we must have pure intention to spread well. Allah forbids any action intended to create discord amongst the people.
The post must be within Islamic bounds:-
Islam prohibits the use of foul language, tone of hatred, mockery, and backbiting. If your post is free from such vices, then Islam does not stop you from the use of social media.
Refrain from commenting or posting on matters that do not concern you:
Social media gave authority to everyone to poke their nose into other’s businesses. However, Islam teaches people to respect everyone’s privacy. You must not judge people based on what you see on social media. Nobody knows what the person is going through in his or her life. Such kind of negativity can create distress and depression, which Islam strictly prohibits.
Confirm the authenticity before posting:-
The media effect on Islam calls for people to behave responsibly. Islam forbids people from spreading rumors. Therefore, it is important to check your facts before posting on social media. Check for the source of information, whether it is reliable or not. This is especially important when you are posting religious information such as quoting a hadith or a saying. Spreading false information is a grave sin in Islam.