Islam and Western Media - 1930 Words

Komail Haider Due Date: 11-14-2009 and Presentation on 11-21-2009 Hafiz M. K. Siddiqui Introduction to Islam Islam amp; Muslims in Western Media In July 12, 2008 publication of the New York Times, it was reported that the President of Sri Lanka was killed in a suicide attack. The religion of the suicide bomber was never reported. The very same newspaper (on November 5, 2009), reported that how a Muslim attacker attacked the US Base and killed US army soldiers. This discrimination against the Muslims and Islam is nothing but the fruit of Western Media’s propaganda against the Muslims and Islam. In Western countries, Islam is often looked upon as an extremist, terrorist, or fundamental religion. In many cases, the media’s†¦show more content†¦The part that the reporters omitted or failed to state was that the Muslim soldiers were praying on a battlefield in Afghanistan. Common sense of the situation meant that the soldiers had to remain armed at all times in case of an ambush at any time. This is a clear example of the media’s biased and inaccurate reporting (Martinez 1, Ba-Yunus 1). While talking about soldiers, I would like to talk about another western media’s misconception i.e. Jihad. The ideas of war and violence have become related to the Islamic religion from the media. Jihad is so often apparent in the news because the media thinks it is Islam’s justification for war and violence. The Quran (Muslim Holy Book) says Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah (God) does not love aggression. A Muslim is permitted to take up arms only as an act of self-defense. A Muslim has the right to defend his life, and his property (Martinez 1, Hassan 4). They (media) cannot differentiate between a struggle for independence in Kashmir or Palestine or Lebanon and terrorism in Afghanistan. Mujahid and terrorist mean the same in their dictionary. Jihad literally means The struggle in the path of God, or holy war. However, the Western media often abuses the meaning of jihad by referring to it as a holy war where Muslims unreasonably kill non-believers. But the fact is, is that jihad canShow MoreRelatedIslam And The Western Media3071 Words   |  13 Pagesâ€Å"When I think Islam, I think belly dancers, bombs, and billionaires† This is something I have heard from many people’s mouths. When people think of the word Islam, or Muslim, a certain generalized picture comes to mind. I am sure this picture involves such things as sand, camels, oil, covered women, hookah, amongst other things. Though this is what the Western media generalizes Islam as, there is much more to Islam than the three B’s and these pictures that come to mind. 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