media

He was like a kind friend. To two little boys (5 and 6 years old) who knew little English and were outcasts in the schoolyard, he always offered a comforting smile. To me, he seemed like an example of what a good Muslim should be. 

Since Sept 11, 2001, Muslims have found it harder than ever to make sense of the flood of information coming from all directions. In a critical time like this we tend to lean towards extremes, either rejecting all mainstream media as false, or naively having faith in all that the networks say. Here are a few suggestions to help you make sense of the news and media.

Behind every front page news story and sound byte is the person who is the focus of the drama, the newsmaker. These are the people whose stories, achievements, failures and successes fascinate and enthrall audiences.

This is a review, from a Muslim perspective, of the year 2000 in movies. If focuses on films that have either Muslim themes or major Muslim characters in them, particularly if they were protrayed in a positive manner. 

Your Islamic center can adopt, rewrite and issue the following statement to your local media. Please replace "Muslims of America" with the Muslim community of your city. Type this or your modified version on your Masjid or Islamic center's letterhead.

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was about saving people not destroying people. He did not hate even his worse enemies. The desire to save humanity is a duty of every Muslim.

In the face of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, Muslims need to be informed, aware and pro-active when dealing with the American media, which, in the past, has linked all Muslims to terrorism when similar incidents have taken place.