Note
Hujjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi is a young researcher at the Islamic Seminary who, in addition to jurisprudence, has studied law and media at the university level. In this exclusive note, he outlines the characteristics of Islamic media for its presence in the international arena. He believes that attention to five key features of Islamic media not only fulfills the satisfaction of the Lawgiver but also garners the favor of international audiences. The full text of this exclusive note follows:
The primary goal of media is to engage and persuade audiences. Every media outlet seeks to create the groundwork for its quantitative and qualitative development by engaging its audience. In this context, presence in the international arena and persuading global public opinion are among the most significant objectives for owners of mass media. Some media outlets have a successful and prominent presence in the international arena and use every possible means to engage their audience. When we speak of Islamic media, we refer to a media that is, in some way, indebted to Islamic culture and relies on religious principles and foundations in its policies. In the Holy Quran, God has outlined characteristics for Islamic media that, when applied in the present era, not only pose no obstacle to the growth of Islamic media but also pave the way for its competitiveness and successful presence in the international arena. The most important competitive features of Islamic media for its presence in the international arena are as follows:
Emphasis on Rationality and Scientific Approach
One of the most significant advantages of Islamic media in the international arena is its emphasis on rationality and scientific approach. One of the harms of current mass media is their lack of commitment to rationality and their greater focus on popularity. The primary goal of media is to be seen by audiences, and when this goal is not accompanied by a commitment to rationality and scientific approach, the media becomes devoid of knowledge, leading to the weakening of both the audience and the media itself. Emphasizing rationality and scientific approach enhances audience awareness, elevates the media, and protects it from the harms of international presence. This truth is repeatedly referenced in the Holy Quran, and it can boldly be said that the call to reason and reflection in the Quran is one of its most frequent addresses. God has prohibited engagement in arenas lacking rationality and scientific approach (Al-Isra, verse 36), which also includes following media that lack commitment to this principle. Emphasizing rationality and scientific approach enables Islamic media to be grounded in reasoning, which protects it from the harms of international presence and aligns with God’s command in the Holy Quran as a characteristic of Islamic media (Al-Ankabut, verses 50 and 51; Yusuf, verse 108).
Clear Explanation and Simplicity of Message
One of the characteristics emphasized in Islamic media, which God in the Holy Quran refers to as a feature of the Quran (Az-Zumar, verse 28), is simplicity and clarity in delivering the message. Throughout history, prophets have been commanded to uphold this principle (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 140). This facilitates maximum audience engagement and their trust in Islamic media, as a media that is reasoned, rational, and transparent can undoubtedly attract audience trust, and trust is the most critical factor in the development of media in the international arena.
Justice-Oriented Approach and Support for the Oppressed
As this important feature is emphasized in Islam and referenced by God in the Quran (An-Nisa, verse 75), it is also emphasized in Islamic media. Public opinion is always inclined to support the oppressed, and Islamic media can foster greater engagement with global audiences by genuinely addressing the oppressed in the international arena and advocating for them. One of the reasons for the weakness of neutral and impartial media in the international arena is precisely this issue. Addressing the oppressed and supporting them gives Islamic media a non-neutral identity and facilitates the cultivation of an active audience, which is one of the most significant advantages of Islamic media’s presence in the international arena and its competition with other media.
Diversity in Message
Although Islamic media emphasizes rationality, this emphasis does not diminish the appeal of its message. One of the issues that God has emphasized in the Quran and presented as a characteristic of Islamic media is diversity in conveying media messages to the audience (An-Nahl, verse 88). This diversity is considered in media tools, persuasion methods and techniques, and the content of the media message. Islamic media pays heightened attention to the diverse tastes of audiences in the international arena and, through diversity in message delivery, creates the groundwork for attracting audiences with varied preferences.
Honesty
Aristotle identifies three main pillars for persuading an audience, one of the most important being the audience’s trust in the media (Ethos). The most significant factor in undermining audience trust in media is the lack of honesty in conveying its messages. The emphasis of Islamic media on honesty is a key factor in fostering audience trust in the media and enhances the competitiveness of Islamic media in the international arena.
Undoubtedly, emphasizing these five mentioned aspects will pave the way for the competitiveness of Islamic media in the international arena. Currently, the reasons for the decline of media and the weakening of their position in the international arena are the absence of one of these aspects, which are emphasized both in religious foundations and recognized in the science of communication.
[1] “We, the prophets, speak to people according to their level of understanding.”