Intellectual Articles

If we cannot penetrate the biased and selective Western media, then we’d better get our own. A famous proverb says, “if you can’t beat them join them “, but the case of Iqraa’ Islamic T.V channel is just the opposite. It’s an attempt of lighting a candle so that the tunnel, that we cannot penetrate, will not end dark and somber. What makes Iqraa’ really different is that it’s a institutional body; a part of a bigger media block, an Arab Murdoch media empire in a world where alliances in the domains of politics, economy, and media are not only becoming increasingly the dominant fad but also a necessity for survival. Individual efforts are likely to wither away, while institutional ones definitely last longer and develop efficiently an ability to cope and adapt. Being a pioneer will not spare iqraa’ the critique. The highly appreciated step of broadcasting two religious programs namely “fatawa” in both English and French is not sufficient. The religious discourse has to be followed by a political one that is absent in languages other than Arabic. Such shows are needed to push back draconian accusation that has increased especially after September 11 events whose aftermath requires news bulletins in English and other languages as well. Thus, polyglot political discussion programs have to show up. Subtitling some of the episodes of “meeting the beloveds ” presented by the talented reformer Amr Khaled is a good chance not only for new Muslims or non Arabic-speaking Muslims, but also a chance for non-Muslims to learn more about Islam. Subtitling, dubbing, and using sign language in other programs will bring the channel to the aspired fruition. It is a media game, and since we preferred to beat it rather that joining it, let us then play both well and fair!