Publishing Date: 01-04-2019
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Western media’s portrayal of jihad in Islam has perpetuated misinterpretations, leading to widespread misconceptions, and fostering Islamophobia and racism globally.
“The evolving interpretations of jihad and martyrdom in the 21st-century world are leading to extreme violence against innocent civilians, both Muslim and non-Muslim”, Mythen et al. (2009)
The Western media, including outlets in Australia, the UK, and beyond, have often sensationalized and distorted the concept of jihad, equating it with terrorism and violence. Such misrepresentations, fueled by inflammatory rhetoric, have led to the stigmatization of Muslims and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, fostering racism and islamophobia. The evolving interpretations of jihad and martyrdom in the 21st-century world are leading to violence against innocent civilians, both Muslim and non-Muslim, as observed by Mythen et al. (2009).
Moreover, online platforms dedicated to attacking Islam, such as “Jihad Watch” and “Stop the Islamization of America,” further trigger misinterpretations by promoting a narrative of Islam as inherently violent and incompatible with Western values. The consequences of these misinterpretations are dire, with Muslim communities in Western countries, including Australia and the UK, becoming targets of hate attacks and discrimination.,
“The word jihad has a great misconception among the non-Muslims. They rely on the media, usually watching the TV and some horror stories and some killings going on” Dr. Ammaar Saeed
Dr Ammaar Saeed clarifies the meaning of jihad, explaining that it simply denotes striving or struggling to achieve something. He provides examples such as a mother cooking for her family or a father working hard to provide for his loved ones. Additionally, he mentions that individuals serving in a military or national defense force are also engaged in jihad to protect their country. Dr Saeed emphasizes that jihad is about striving for peace and does not involve harm towards others, including non-Muslims. He added, “The word jihad has a great misconception among the non-Muslims. They rely on the media, usually watching the TV and some horror stories and some killings going on, some violent things.”
“Jihad is an Arabic word which simple means, “try” or “struggle”. The media presented as something major, creating scary image in minds to have of the religions Islam. Especially paid Indian and Western Media operated by politicians to run their agenda against a religion “Islam” which means Peace prescribed by God after Jesus and finally by Muhammad The final Messenger of God”. Dr. Ammaar Saeed
As the discourse surrounding Islam continues to evolve, the media must play a responsible role in accurately representing the diverse perspectives within the Muslim community and refraining from perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misinterpretations.
For more in-depth information about jihad and a clearer understanding of Islamic concepts, viewers can visit Dr. Ammaar Saeed’s social media platforms. Dr. Ammaar is an American Muslim Scholar and founder of ALIM University https://alimuniversity.com
