Nigerian Ulema: Media Serves an Important Role in Society

Jakarta, 18 Sha’ban 1437/ 25 Mei 2016 (MINA) – Nigerian Ulema, Ahmed Abdul Malik has said that the media serves an important role in society insofar as it helps bring important issues to the attention of the community.

“However, for some of us our faith can get shaken during times of trials and hardships. It is during those times though that we should remind ourselves that a believer’s position and rank is raised in front of Allah and that such a hardship may very well be a sign of Allah’s love for the believer. This can help us in maintaining and even strengthening our faith,” he said.

He made the remarks at a conference on Islamic media held in Jakarta on  Wednesday and Thursday.

Malik said that we also know that some who face difficulties are punished for their sins. So, one may wonder how to distinguish whether a person is being simply tested by Allah or being punished for one’s sins.” In this context, scholars have said that “(as Allah knows a person beforehand), the sign of calamity by way of punishment shows as signs of impatience and ingratitude in a person when a calamity befalls, and the sign of calamity by way of expiation and erasing of sins shows as contentment, acceptance, and patience in accepting the will of Allah until relief comes.

Malik added, the role of Media is not intended to provide psychotherapy, but instead to offer short-term intervention to help people receive assistance, support, resources, and stabilization.

“The financial journalists should not differ from that of journalists covering politics, culture or sports. We all must write well. We must analyse information in a clear, fast, concise and accurate manne,” he said.

Imammul Muslim Yakhsalah Mansur opened the two-day event with a welcoming address and a keynote speech delivered by the Deputy of Indonesian Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir at Wisma Antara (Auditorium Adhiyana) Central Jakarta. The organisers have also invited the editor in chief of news agencies and media organizations from 50 countries.

The conference will present some international speakers, among them are Imaam Shamsi Ali (Foconference under of Nusantara Foundation; USA), Dr. Daud Abdullah (Director of Middle East Monitor; UK), Sheikh Ahmad Shoyyan (Editor in Chief of Al-Bayan magazine; Saudi Arabia), and Ahmad Ashaaf (chief editor of the Palestinian News Agency WAFA; Palestine).

Also present  in the conference some officials, scholars, community leaders and activists.  (L/P007/P008/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)