Are there media channels that a Muslim can use to invite someone living in America to visit and learn about Islam? I was recently introduced to several. These large and growing global media networks produce programs to present Islam to North America and the world. One of the channels is expanding its Internet platform to satellite on Christmas Day.
The networks are part of a unified movement “to put Islam in every home.”
My introduction to Islamic media occurred while doing online ministry.
Zeyna (not her real name) lives in Ethiopia. We began exchanging emails through the communication channels of the Internet evangelism ministry I work with.
Zeyna was investigating Christianity. But she also wanted me to know about Allah and invited me to visit Peace TV.
Well, that seemed only fair.
Many of the contacts I’ve made while doing online outreach are from Muslim countries. With Islam being the second-largest religion and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, it was time for more study.
I’m also very fascinated with any new developments related to religious media. The Web tour started at Peace TV.
Peace TV
Peace TV is an Islamic satellite television network broadcasting globally from Dubai, UAE. Its programs are all in English and telecast to more than 125 countries around the world.
It recently launched Peace TV Live, a full-time Internet broadcast.
The network covers live events, lectures for adults and youths, and provides learning shows for children. Programs feature internationally famous scholars and orators on religion and humanity. Its founder and president, Dr. Zakir Naik, often calls it an “edutainment channel.”
Peace TV claims to have over 75 million viewers worldwide. In 2009, it’s sister channel Peace TV Urdu was launched. (Urdu language)
Promotional materials say the network is backed by the best available media technology, creativity, research, programs, software and operational management.
The network’s slogan is, “The solution for Humanity.”
Peace TV is owned by The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai, India. It promotes the Da’wah – the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, as well as removing misconceptions about Islam – amongst less aware Muslims and non-Muslims.
In statements pertaining to the mission of the network, the IRF says, “Global scale media mergers in the industry have led to limiting the viewpoints having access to mass media, specifically, the Islamic viewpoint. This scenario needs to be countered with a global reach for the truth of Islam. As the Qur’an (Ch. 21, V. 18) advises us: “When truth is hurled against falsehood, falsehood perishes, for falsehood by its nature is bound to perish.”
Peace TV aims to help Muslims and non-Muslims realize the effectiveness of Islam in solving problems of humankind. Solutions that they believe are derived from their Creator – the All Aware.
The use of media for spreading Islam in North America is expanding.
Guide US TV
Guide US TV started out building websites on the Internet. Next came live and recorded Internet video streaming channels.
To reach homes that don’t have Internet access or don’t know about its online channels, on December 25 and 26 – Guide US TV will begin a daily, 24 hour broadcast on Globecast Satellite TV. This massive media expansion project is being carried out in cooperation with HUDA TV, Dr. Zakir Naik of Peace TV, Islam Channel in UK, Voice of Islam in New Zealand, Harun Yahya, and Share Islam TV in Washington, D.C.
We are all working hard and sacrificing together as media partners to help launch the network. Yusuf Estes
A 48-hour telethon will mark the occasion.
When asked about the importance of the event, Yusuf Estes founder of Guide US TV said, “We are all working hard and sacrificing together as ‘media partners’ to help launch the network.” Guide US TV is broadcasting online right now.
The Guide US TV Facebook page says, “Today in the US, there are upwards of 1,600 Christian TV stations with millions of viewers every day. Islam is continuously misrepresented by Christian broadcasters often featuring lies and insults about the Prophet Muhammad and Allah. Our Guide US TV team is working hard to produce the financial muscle to be able to stand up to our Christian counterparts.
We are looking to our local Muslim communities to stand alongside us to enable us to put Islam into millions of households across America, for the very first time.”
A closing thought
A pioneering spirit and evangelistic fervor to establish Islamic influence in America has led to the use of media and technology to bring together Islamic communities around the world. The access to information on the Web, satellite and other media will increase opportunities for Islamic missionary efforts in North America and in all nations.
There is a recognition among Islamic leaders that when media ministries, mosques and Islamic centers, businesses and local faith communities work together in “true partnership,” achievement of the mission is accelerated.
A few weeks ago, in my post, “Major Religions Have Embraced Technology,” I noted that establishing a leading, interactive and dynamic media presence may be a dream for some of the world religions. Little did I know that one such dream was already in the making and would be realized on Christmas Day.
Questions: What media channels (comparable to Peace TV and Guide US TV) would you recommend that Muslims and other non-Christians visit to learn about Jesus and the Christian faith?