VOL-II, ISUUE-I (Spring 2009)

ISLAMIC CONCEPT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

Saqib Riaz (PhD)

Shahid Hussain

ABSTRACT

Today is the age of communication, where effective communication can play a vital role in influencing the public opinion. This paper attempts to present the Islamic Model of Communication, which states that the communication should be for the betterment of the society and to encourage good deeds. It forbids its followers to use communication for negative purposes. The paper concludes that the Islamic Model of Mass Communications can play an important role in establishing peace and eternity in the society.

INTRODUCTION

Adversely trapped in the conspiracies of anti-Islamic powers, the Muslim Umma is presently facing lot of troubles and problems. From political and social problems to financial and economic issues and from scientific and technical education to defence strategies, we are depending upon western countries. In these circumstances, where this is the time for the Muslim intellectuals to think, there is an extreme need to devise some new directions and ways, following which, the Muslims might succeed in getting their lost prestige and the dreams of the poet of East ‘Allama Iqbal' for the renaissance of Islam might come true.

Today, if we have a sight over our vicinity and judge the reasons of the degradation of Umma, we see that the western world has flourished due to the up-to-date knowledge and researches and Muslims have lost their past glory and prestige due to trailing interest in knowledge. The conspiracies of enemies and careless attitude of our leaders are also the causes of failure of the Umma.

Today is the era of communication, which is the lifeblood of any organization or institution. Western nations are claiming to hold the entire world in their firm grip only due to the effective communication. To disprove the truth and vice-versa is in their hands. All the major resources of mass communication are occupied by western nations and they do not miss even a single chance of humiliating Islam and its followers.

The major broadcasting institutes of the world like BBC and CNN are occupied by Jews. On the other hand, international news agencies like AP, AFP and Reuters are also under the control of anti-Islamic powers. Furthermore, the newspapers, radio stations and television channels of the world are printing and broadcasting news released by these agencies again and again. The mass media of the Muslim countries are totally dependent on these international news agencies.

In these circumstances, it is the time to think that the Muslims of the world should make progress in mass communication technologies and instead of becoming part of these conspiracies of enemies; we should negate them through strong arguments.

Different intellectuals have defined ‘communication' in different ways. Some have defined it as to create mutual understanding while others have declared communication as a way to understand one another's feelings. George A Miller in his book ‘Language and Communication' has defined communication as “Communication means to transfer information or message from one place to another”.

In Urdu dictionary, the word communication has been defined as to convey or disseminate the message. But in Islamic society, the word ‘Communication' is linked with faithfulness, cleanliness of heart and mind, honour and prestige. Welfare for all and preaching for the faith in Allah are built-in concepts in the Islamic concept of Communication.

In the light of Quran and Hadith, the responsibility of preaching and communication has been assigned to prophets. However, after the end of prophet-hood, this mission has been assigned to every individual of the Umma and now it is the responsibility of the Muslims to fight against evil and preach for virtues through effective communication.

THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION

The issue of the freedom of expression has been remained important in all the eras, due to which, different theories of mass communication evolved in different ages.

In 15 th century, when the print journalism took its start, there was an era of emperorship and dictatorship all around the world, leaving the journalism bringing up in the lap of emperorship. So, it was supposed that whatever the newspapers would publish should be in praise of emperors. This theory was named as ‘Authoritarian Theory of Communication'. Plato is said to be the founder of this concept, while Mekawali and Heagle were his followers. According to this concept, some people are by-birth superior to others and, therefore, they have right to rule others. In this theory, all the communication media are disallowed to interrupt in the state affairs. To strengthen the Authoritarian theory, the British Emperor Stewart and French Emperor Todor remained its forerunners. As this theory was backed by the Pope, it also made popism the right hand of the authoritarian rulers. Under this theory, the social freedom was totally suppressed. Even in present age, where, there is emperorship, there is the same mode of mass communication. This phenomenon can be seen in the countries like Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates and Libya .

Second theory of Communication is ‘Libertarian Concept of Communication', which was originated against the authoritarian concept. This theory emerged as a philosophy in 17 th century and became popular throughout the Europe . This theory was based on the doctrine of philosopher John Lock that the real powers of the state rest with the people and every person has right to decide that what is right and what is wrong. Initially, America and Britain opted for this theory and later on, other countries also followed them.

Soon the shocking effects of the absolute freedom resulted from the Libertarian Theory got prominent. The endless freedom of the mass communication totally disturbed the personal lives of the people and many secrets of the governments were captured by communication media. This unlimited freedom gave birth to many problems, due to which this theory lost its prestige amongst the people.

After failure of the Libertarian theory, the ‘Social Responsibility Theory' took birth. According to this theory, many responsibilities rest with the Communication Media. This theory believes that the press should be representative of the norms and values of the society and it should never get away from the truth. The theory gives right to the communication media to criticize government departments and officials with solid proof.

Fourth theory of communication is the ‘Communist Concept of Communication', which originated in 1842. Karl Marx was the founder of this concept, which was later on brought up by Lenon. Lenon lead this concept from 1870 to 1924. This theory had two purposes at that time. First to get rid of capitalism and second to eliminate class system from society. The founders of this theory believed that it was necessary for justice to clear the society from capitalists. In communist system, all the communication media are necessary part of the state, therefore, newspapers were declared national property in Soviet Union . This theory stresses on media to support the government policies. Soviet newspapers mostly carried news of communist party and no newspaper was allowed to print even a single line against the government. However, with the end of the Soviet Union , the theory also became to its end.

ISLAMIC CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION

Islam is the last resort of peace and calm for the humanity. Islam is not the man made system but of Allah Almighty, who is the Creator of the whole universe. Man made systems could give nothing but a lot many problems to the humanity. But the system of Allah Almighty is the source of peace and welfare for the entire humanity.

In Islam, the basic purpose of communication media is to spread welfare and to end conflicts. It is the responsibility of communication media to give correct information to people and to preach the true message of Islam. Islam gives complete freedom of expression on the condition to use this opportunity to spread peace and welfare instead of vulgarity and unfaithfulness. Islamic concept of the freedom of expression is totally different from the western concept. Islam is the religion of faithfulness and promotes peace and affection in society, while western concept is promoter of vulgarity and indecency. Islam gives high prestige and honour to women but western media presents woman as a saleable commodity of the market.

Freedom of expression to promote good deeds and welfare is not only a right but is due on every member of the Muslim society. Denying the right to people is against the laws of Allah. Similarly, to prevent people from wrong doings and vulgarity is also due on every individual of Umma.

MASS COMMUNICATION IN LIGHT OF QURAN

Quran stresses on the freedom of expression and mass communication. In present scenario, many communication media print and broadcast news without verification and many news even do not have any base at all. Printing of fake and baseless news has become a common practice for the media. Quran strictly denies this attitude. Allah Almighty says in Quran:

“O, you who believe, if a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwillingly and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done” (Al-Hujrat: 6)

Islam is not against the religious debate but recommends that this discussion should be in a better manner and through arguments.

“And don't dispute with the people of the Book, except with better means (than mere disputation)” (Al-AnKbut: 46)

Islamic concept of communication also says that there should be some people, who must remain busy in spreading the universal concept of Islam throughout the world. Allah says:

“Let there arise a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong” (Aal-i-Imran: 104)

In the same Surah, Allah again says:

“You are the best people, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah” (Aal-i-Imran: 110)

Supporting right deeds and negating evil deeds is the base of Islamic concept of communication, which means that it is the responsibility of communication media to preach good deeds and to struggle for the removal of evil from the society. Allah has said in Surat Al Hajj:

“(They are) those who, if we establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong” (Al Hajj: 41)

Those who do not believe in the truthfulness and sincerity of the Islamic concept of communication and promote misconceptions about Islam have been mentioned in Quran as:

“The hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other. They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just” (Surat Toba: 67)

According to Imam Ibne Temia, to order for good deeds and forbade from evil doings is very necessary in the world. Now, if any body does not order for right deeds and does not forbid from wrong deeds as per order of Allah Almighty, then such person will be disobeying Allah and His Prophet (S.A.W).

In today's developed world, there is a loud voice everywhere for freedom of expression but Islam is the first religion, which has accepted this right. History has witnessed that in different situations, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) used to discuss the matters with his close ones (Sahabas) and even accepted their suggestions in many cases and preferred their suggestions on his own.

After the sad demise of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), the Khulfa-i-Rashideen also continued the practice of freedom of expression and they were even accountable before a common man. After taking over as Khalifa of Muslims, Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique (R.A) said to people “Oh mankind, obey Allah Almighty and help me in implementation of orders for good deeds and stopping evil.

The information or news of a journalist is actually a witness, whose stealing from public is a sin. Allah says:

“And do not conceal evidence; for whoever conceals it, his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knows all that you do.” (Al-Bakra: 283)

Allah has further said:

“And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth, when you know (what it is)” (Al Bakra: 42)

Another important aspect of the Islamic concept of communication is that wisdom and sanity have special importance in communication. Allah says:

“And invite towards your Rab (Allah) in a nice way and when you debate, do it in a good manner.”

According to the Islamic concept of communication, freedom of expression has been given for preaching of the teachings of Islam and not for spreading evil, conflicts, terrorism and vulgarity. To keep the communication in accordance with the ethics and decency, Islam has imposed certain restrictions, which are summarized as below:

•  Islam has secured the private lives of Muslims. Nobody including communication media and government has right to intervene in the personal lives of the people.

•  Special care has been insisted in matters relating to women. Now-a-days, the scandals of women have become a common practice in media, which is against the teachings of Islam.

•  Respect for humanity is the base of Islamic society and Islamic concept of life. It is the responsibility of media to abstain from humiliation of humanity. Quran has also forbidden using bad names for each other.

•  To avoid from backbiting and misperception is the duty of every Muslim. Media should also obey this order and anybody, organization or institution should not be accused without any solid proof.

•  Islamic concept of communication does not allow publishing or broadcasting of news without any research or proof to create suspense. Quranic teachings also forbid from exaggeration.

•  The major duty of communication media in Islam is to order for good deeds and to stop evil deeds.

•  Islam does not allow its followers from religious extremism and same is the duty of communication media. Quran has even forbidden from using bad names for idols of non-Muslims.

•  Decent conversation is very important in Islamic concept of communication. Islam instead of hatred gives the message of love and brotherhood. Media should be very responsible and decent in news reporting, columns, essays, analysis and editorials and should be ethical and moderate in dealings.

•  It is the duty of communication media to avoid vulgarity and indecency. Islam has blessed woman with great respect and prestige. However, west has made woman a source of vulgarity and prostitution in the name of freedom of women. It is the great dilemma of today's world that all media is in race of spreading vulgarity and indecency. Islamic concept of communication is against this practice.

CONCLUSION

Today's world is the world of communication and there is no option but to concentrate on this aspect. One of the biggest reasons of isolation of Umma is its backwardness in communication and media. It is the duty of Muslim countries to pay special attention to dismantle the evil dreams of non-Muslim powers especially the Jews. The false propaganda of anti-Islamic institutions like BBC and CNN should be replied with due courage. It is the need of the hour for the Islamic world to adopt such a strategy to negate the label of terrorism on Islam and to promote the real Islamic teachings of peace and welfare for all. If the rulers of Islamic countries, instead of obeying the western masters, struggle for the renaissance of Umma, then a very big positive change could be brought in the world through mass communication. It is not possible to stay away from mass communication in this world because it is the biggest source of change in society. It is also the responsibility of Muslim media to follow Islamic concept of communication to portray the real image of Islam before the world.

REFERENCES

•  Ilmi Urdu Dictionary (Jamia), Ilmi Kutab Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore .

•  Khokhar, M.I. (2001), Islamic Concept of Communication, Dawa Academy , International Islamic University, Islamabad .

•  Mass Communication (2004), Allama Iqbal Open University.

•  Miller, G.A. (2001), Language and Communication, USA .

•  Maududi, S.A.A. Rasail o Musail, Islamic Publications, Lahore .

•  Riaz, S. (2003), Modern Journalism and Mass Communication, Urdu Science Board, Lahore .

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

•  Dr. Saqib Riaz is Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad , Pakistan . He has done his masters in Mass Communication from Punjab University , Lahore and M. Phil in Mass Communication from AIOU Islamabad. He got advanced training in Journalism from the International Institute for Journalism, Berlin , Germany . Recently, he has completed his PhD in Mass Communication. His PhD dissertation has been approved by three foreign experts associated with some of the top universities of USA . He is a famous journalist and has worked as magazine editor in a couple of Islamabad based national newspapers. He is author of two books on Journalism and also a renowned media consultant of the country. He has achieved a number of awards and honors during his professional career. He is a Free Lance journalist and contributes articles to national and international newspapers.

The author can be contacted at his email address, saqibriaz2001@yahoo.com . His physical address is Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad , Pakistan .

•  Shahid Hussain is serving as Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad , Pakistan . He did his Masters in Mass Communication from AIOU, Islamabad . Presently, he is doing M.Phil in Mass Communication from AIOU and is involved in his research work.

The author can be contacted at his email address, shahid_hussainus @yahoo.com . His physical address is Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad , Pakistan .