Community Progress II: Newsletters and Websites
Salaam alaikum,
As Muslims, it is our duty to educate ourselves and others about Islam. Since September 11th, mild suspiscion of Muslims has turned into a complete disaster with the average American fearing us all. But it is not impossible to change these unfortunate circumstances and with a little effort, we can establish a sound, viable Muslim voice here in America. But let’s start off small and insha’Allah, grow into a strong American Muslim media.
Does your masjid have a newsletter or a website? If not, then some computer savvy Muslims can take charge of this project and create a newsletter and website for your masjid. I am suggesting that we go beyond the dawah pamphlets and books (though, they are quite helpful). Each newsletter should have a listing of prayer times, the names of contacts for information, times for halaqas, Arabic and Qur’an lessons and so on. You would be amazed as to how many masajid in the United States do not have some kind print media to offer interested individuals. Having a newsletter of events, such as weddings, Eid prayers and the like, makes for a well-informed community so that we can minimize some of the chaos and confusion.
And the newsletter does not have to have only an arcane listing of special events and classes. It can also evolve into a small newspaper containing articles of happenings within your local Muslim community. It can have a format like a secular newspaper with sports, employment, local news, and the arts along with articles about Islamic history, Qur’anic verse and Hadith selections.
Also, everyone is on the web these days. If a curious seeker is looking for a mosque, your masjid should be listed online with all important information. You can either register for freeweb space with Yahoo or Freewebs or buy a domain from Doteasy.com. (Ex: http://www.masjidraheem.com/) Think of the newsletter and website as your public face. People’s perceptions are formulated through media, as we all very well know. Having a website makes easy contact for news reporters and others who want to get the Muslim point of view on certain issues. Insha’allah, you can find Muslims with enough get up and go to help you in this endeavor. It’s just a small part in doing dawah, educating non-Muslims and creating a society safe for religious diversity. By doing this, your community can be prepared in case some controversial event occurs and by distributing the newsletter at different public areas (universities, coffee houses, libraries), the Muslim voice will be heard and understood.
Try it! It’s fun!
I am currently putting together a newsletter for my local Muslim Student Association.
May Allah (swt) bless your endeavors!
As Muslims, it is our duty to educate ourselves and others about Islam. Since September 11th, mild suspiscion of Muslims has turned into a complete disaster with the average American fearing us all. But it is not impossible to change these unfortunate circumstances and with a little effort, we can establish a sound, viable Muslim voice here in America. But let’s start off small and insha’Allah, grow into a strong American Muslim media.
Does your masjid have a newsletter or a website? If not, then some computer savvy Muslims can take charge of this project and create a newsletter and website for your masjid. I am suggesting that we go beyond the dawah pamphlets and books (though, they are quite helpful). Each newsletter should have a listing of prayer times, the names of contacts for information, times for halaqas, Arabic and Qur’an lessons and so on. You would be amazed as to how many masajid in the United States do not have some kind print media to offer interested individuals. Having a newsletter of events, such as weddings, Eid prayers and the like, makes for a well-informed community so that we can minimize some of the chaos and confusion.
And the newsletter does not have to have only an arcane listing of special events and classes. It can also evolve into a small newspaper containing articles of happenings within your local Muslim community. It can have a format like a secular newspaper with sports, employment, local news, and the arts along with articles about Islamic history, Qur’anic verse and Hadith selections.
Also, everyone is on the web these days. If a curious seeker is looking for a mosque, your masjid should be listed online with all important information. You can either register for freeweb space with Yahoo or Freewebs or buy a domain from Doteasy.com. (Ex: http://www.masjidraheem.com/) Think of the newsletter and website as your public face. People’s perceptions are formulated through media, as we all very well know. Having a website makes easy contact for news reporters and others who want to get the Muslim point of view on certain issues. Insha’allah, you can find Muslims with enough get up and go to help you in this endeavor. It’s just a small part in doing dawah, educating non-Muslims and creating a society safe for religious diversity. By doing this, your community can be prepared in case some controversial event occurs and by distributing the newsletter at different public areas (universities, coffee houses, libraries), the Muslim voice will be heard and understood.
Try it! It’s fun!
I am currently putting together a newsletter for my local Muslim Student Association.
May Allah (swt) bless your endeavors!