Islamic Perspective on Challenges in Media Communication
Mohamad Shafiei Ayub1, Nor Adina Abd Kadir1, Muhammad Taufik Md Sharipp1*, Nursyaidatul Kamar Md Shah2, Mohamad Azlan Norani3
1 Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Malaysia
2 Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Malaysia
3 Strada Art Production, Ipoh, Perak Malaysia
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Accepted: 15 May 2021 | Published: 1 June 2021
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Abstract: The 21st century came with the impression that the world would be as narrow as a village. Every individual in the "global village" will be cultured in a mould supported by information and communication through the boom existence of modern technology.
Communication is the process of conveying information from a person to another. The process of conveying information spreads faster to each individual with the advent of modern technology. This causes good and bad effects on human life, especially from the Islamic perspective. Through new technology or media, Islam can spread all over the world through the use of the Internet. At the same time, the current change of practicing Muslims from a negative angle can also be seen as a result of the new media and the Internet. Therefore, Muslims should use this opportunity to uphold the religion of Islam and prevent ill-doings through the existence of this technology.
Keywords: New Media Challenges, Media and communication, Advances in Science and Technology
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1. Introduction
Communication in general means interaction. It involves relationships between one human being to the other. Communication can also occur directly and through intermediaries or mediators. Communication according to the Al-Quran is referred to by the term "ittisal" which means to convey or "wasolla", the original name to "ittisal". The Al-Quran further explains that communication is part of human nature (Ghani, 2003).
The meaning of communication according to Islam is the process of conveying a message to a person or community to be shared together. The messages can be knowledge, skills, information, attitudes, and beliefs based on Islamic law. This understanding shows that communication activity is the process of transfer, delivery, sharing of ideas, opinions of ideas and religious teachings to a person to perform good deeds. According to this definition, Islamic communication is a communication based on the guidance of revelation and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Islamic communication is a universal communication covering all aspects of the life of Muslims because the process of Islamic communication involves Hablul minal Allah, Hablul minal Nas, Al-Muhasabah or any communication in relation to oneself and the nature (Ghani, 2003).
Communication is conceptualized as one of social science disciplines that began to develop in America in the late 1930s. Harold Lasswell, Paul Lazarsfled, Kurt Lewin and Carl Hovland
were some of the prominent figures considered first to do research on human communication.
Although communication as a discipline of knowledge has not been around much, but its development is so rapid, both as a discipline and as a skill. Academically, the study of communication focuses on two main approaches, namely a) the approach that focuses on the context of the situation in which the communication occurs, and b) the approach that focuses on the functions of communication (Larsson, 2011). According to Western scholars, there are five main roles of the media which are i) supervisor to the environment (surveillance), ii) discuss and suggest changes that need to be done in society (correlation), iii) convey the heritage of knowledge, norms and values to the new generation (ethicizing function), iv) interpreting events that take place in society (interpreter) and v) being a watchdog (supervisor or muhtasab) to the government.
2. Literature Review
In this century, the delivery of Islamic da'wah through new media is very important and effective to humankind. This can be done by using social media such as Facebook, Blog, Twitter, Youtube and so on. With this variety of delivery methods, it can attract both Muslims and non-Muslims to get closer to Islam. Hence proved the use of new media resulting benefits which are:
2.1. Communicating Towards the Understanding of Islam
Among the benefits of new media towards human beings and Islam is that it can convey an accurate and comprehensive understanding of Islam based on the guidance of Al-Quran and As-Sunnah. It can act as a medium of da'wah and media of guidance either directly or indirectly to the community (Najidah Zakariya, 2009). Proponents of Islam can give a comprehensive picture of Islam to the community on various issues and matters. This is important in shaping and correcting society's views or perceptions of Islam in various forms. This aspect should be given priority in to educate the community in evaluating something on the religious balance, as well as facing the movement of melting and dilution of Islamic terms in society. This could prevent the views that lead to deviations of faith, religious insults and degrading of dignity and Islamic law (Najidah Zakariya, 2009).
2.2. A Reminder to Devote Oneself to Allah
Other than providing to the understanding of Islam, the new media can remind the audience of readers, listeners and viewers to always get closer and fear God. The dangers that threaten Muslims such as current ideologies, the evil conspiracies of foreign countries and their allies against Islam can be uncovered using technology. This disclosure needs to be holistic, accurate, honest and objective. The new media is a platform for sharing all issues, sufferings and concerns of the ummah, especially challenges that threaten the identity and character of Muslims. For example, by revealing regional and international Muslims such as the Palestinian issue, the Syrian issue, Muslims in minority countries and so on.
2.3. Creating Exemplary Practicing Muslims
New media can be used to express, clarify and highlight the values guiding the ummah in a better and civilized direction and at the same time being aware of elements of movement that can damage Muslims. The modern media can disseminate information and reports on halal and haram issues to the community, especially Muslims. For example, exposure of the press on various halal and illegal issues can shape public awareness on the status of food, goods and services used in daily life. Such technology has the ability to disseminate information quickly, concisely, briefly, easily understood and allows Islamic messages to be spread to a diverse
audience. In addition, the new media can provide a variety of content in the form of documentation, news, analysis, issues and descriptions of Islam more effectively to all walks of life who have access to the Internet.
3. Methodology
This is a concept paper, and the data were analysed and extracted from referencing secondary sources such as academic journal articles, scholarly books and online newspaper articles to understand new media and challenges of using it according to Islamic perspective. In brief, qualitative data was elicited from several significant main themes and sub-category themes which made it possible to come up with interpretations towards presenting challenges from an Islamic point of view of using new media.
Significantly, the aspects of challenging using new media are quoted from verses of Al-Quran and proposed by Muslim scholars in the related field. It is hoped that the challenges highlighted in this study would fit the needs of all Muslim to go through the online positively.
4. Discussion
From a negative point of view, there are many challenges that need to be faced by the community, especially teenagers and youths, specifically in issues related to social problems involving the use of new media. With the current development, most teenagers and youths use new media to establish social relationships through social media application such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp. The applications are so enticing as they offer various interesting and fun services that really appeal to teenagers and youths. Indeed, it is undeniable that such social applications have many benefits and advantages such as being able to connect and discuss the latest issues through chat rooms and allowing them to build a relationship with whomever they want. Such social applications are also the focus of predators and people with ill-intent who is targeting teenagers and youth as their victims.
4.1. Validity of Information
Among the challenges of using new media is the validity of information. Accurate and true information is very important to ensure that there is no misrepresentation and falsification of facts (Aminudin Basir @ Ahmad, 2009), especially in matters of religious knowledge that need to be confirmed. Irresponsible parties are always looking for ways to deviate and commit fraud for the purpose to mislead Muslims. This is a big challenge to the traditional process of obtaining authentic information. For example, by simply referring to material from the Internet such as the Al-Quran, there may be factual errors such as verses from the Israeliyat version (Ghani Z. A., 2003). Therefore, one should refer to the original source to verify the information to avoid confusion. Nowadays, many Muslims seek information about religion through the Internet or social media and continue to believe the information without researching or referring to the scholars on the information gained. Any information referred solely on the internet without verification will cause problems regarding the truthfulness of the facts of the information. Allah S.W.T. mentions in the Al-Quran:
“O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful
(al-Hujaraat 49: 6)
4.2. Internet Pornography Viewing
Browsing the internet for pornography viewing is one of the challenges of using new media.
Browsing immoral and useless websites has a negative impact on human mental and physical development. Addiction to such negative websites may cause damage to dignity, personal values, encourage sex crimes, legal problems, interpersonal relationships and a waste of money and time. The existence of pornographic websites that are easily accessible to anyone including school children, teenagers, youths and adults have a negative impact on values, self-worth and lifestyle (Fadzli Adam, 2015). Sadly enough, Islam prohibitions on any behaviour which can lead to adultery do not prevent teenagers and adults from avoiding this appalling act. In the Al- Quran, Allah S.W.T. says:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way”
(al-Israa’17:32)
4.3. The Spread of Defamation (Fitnah) or ‘Fake News’
These new media facilities are often misused for personal gain. The main symptom often associated with new media is the spread of slander and gossip by one party for the purpose of demeaning, embarrassing or humiliating others. This challenges the principles and ethics of living in a community and a state. According to Islamic teachings, spreading slander is a very serious crime. Defamation affects the dignity and position of an individual and his family. From the Al-Quran, Allah S.W.T. tells:
"And remember that defamation (fitnah) is more dangerous than murder."
(al-Baqarah 2: 191)
The culture of spreading slander through cyberspace such as Facebook, Twitter, Blog and so on has become a habit and is increasingly popular among our society today (Hamid, 2016). In fact, it is also a routine for some individuals who like to spread false and latest news.
Unbeknownst to them, this culture has had a negative impact on the community and brought harm to various parties. What is more alarming is many readers, most of them practice the concept of everything that is posted on social media is considered correct, true and accurate.
This is very dangerous because they believe it one hundred percent without referring it to the authority first.
4.4. Changes in Socio-Cultural and Communication Language
The influence of new media that is contagious in modern life today has clearly succeeded in changing the socio-cultural paradigm and language of communication (Hamid, 2016). The colonization of Western living culture in terms of clothing, food, drink, behavior and entertainment has changed the identity of Muslims. The traditional attire of every race and ethnicity is only the official attire worn during ceremonies or celebrations. It is no longer a proud daily outfit. Lately, lifestyle trends are often abused by most teenagers, especially teenagers who live in the city, as most of them want to be stylish and chic by following current trends. Of course, the trend they imitate is a trend from the Western world. One example of the lifestyle of teenagers who follow Western trends in daily life is the problem of "clothing". The problem of clothing worn by teenagers today will always be directly affected by the development of modern times and technology.
An interesting thing in this new media issue is the occurrence of language damage.
Conversational or chat language requires simple, easier and non-formal writing. The habit is
carried away that many people adopt it in their daily communication, especially among teenagers. For example, the word Assalamualaikum has been summarized in various ways such as Asm, Akum, Aslam, Aslmkm and Salam began to spread its use. These words are clearly inaccurate from their own spelling, words and meanings. It clearly damages the use of terms, words and language itself.
5. Conclusion
The big role of the new media in shaping the thinking of society should be seen positively by the Islamic movement. We must face the advancement of science and information technology more boldly and willingly. In the end, we hope to see the new media as the main weapon to uphold the struggle of the Islamic movement, to restore the rights of Islam as the official religion from heaven to organize human life as the caliph of God on this earth. New media plays an important role in the process of religious development. Therefore, the media should be given freedom in performing its functions objectively and transparently. With this freedom, it is hoped that no party with personal interest take advantage of the media's rights and use them as a propaganda tool to manipulate other parties and obtain personal gain.
Teenagers are a new social structure that forms a series of pillars. The pillars should be strong with a good value of identity and if the pillars are fragile, then the building to be produced will collapse and ruin. Therefore, we need to be careful because globalization is indeed difficult for us to withstand, let alone with exposure to broadcasts that do not promote positive thinking and pure values. This means that the role of informal education at home by parents and guardians has to be competitive with the media. Teenagers and youths should receive information from the media and digest it according to the right environment and according to religious and sharia principles. This step should require the guidance of many parties including parents and the surrounding community.
6. Acknowledgements
This article was supported by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme Project No. 600-IRMI/FRGS 5/3 (099/2019). We would like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Research Management Institute Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and UiTM Cawangan Melaka for financial support, facilities, and various contributions.
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