Ramadan & Media Relations: 18 Ways To Create Positive “Newsworthy” Stories
“Media is all anti-Muslim.”
“We should boycott media because it’sthe source of Islamophobia.”
“No one is interested in our stories in corporate media!”
While these sentiments and generalizations are common in the Muslim community, dwelling on them and propagating them doesn’t help our cause.
Media bias and Islamomphobic rhetoric certainly exist. There is no denying of anti-Muslim agenda among some media outlets and journalists.
However, media personnel and journalists are humans like us. Engaging them positively with genuine human stories can turn things around.
Media in the US and Canada is constantly looking for original “newsworthy” stories of peace loving Muslims living their faith in North America.
A key reason why our stories don’t get published or featured in the mainstream media is that we don’t know how to create and pitch stories that are “newsworthy”. Media is not interested in showcasing our theology or what morals our faith preaches! Nor does it care about covering an event or an occasion.
For media, the bottom line is ratings, which translate into dollars. The more original, human, and exciting your story, the higher your chance would be of getting the sound bites.
So, How Do We Create “Newsworthy” Stories?
As the public opinion about Islam and Muslims in the US and Canada plummets to record low, and Muslims witness a sharp increase in discrimination, Ramadan is a unique time to engage media.
Given the fact that Ramadan and Eid season is a good 4-5 week long “holiday season” for Muslims, it offers an excellent opportunity to portray Islam and Muslims in a positive light.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about the stories you conceive this Ramadan and Eid for productive media relations.
Your Story Should
Be more human than philosophical or preachy (Humanize Ramadan and Islam by featuring a story of a person, or family, or community)
Have a local connection (A local resident, business, Masjid, or community)
Be as unique and interesting as possible (First Ramadan of a convert, Iftar event at the City Hall, a celebrity visiting a Masjid, or a Ramadan food drive)
Show significant numbers that your story impacts (The number people in the neighborhood or city who are fasting, or the number of people participating at an event)
Be ideally set against the backdrop of hate, terrorism, and Islamophobia (How will this Ramadan story help create a positive image about Islam and Muslims? How will this help make America or Canada better?)
Consider ways to connect with a local cause or hot social issue in the city that community cares about (#BlackLivesMatter, homelessness, or elections)
Consider involving or inviting a VIP or a celebrity to increase credibility of the story (Mayor, radio show host, sports personality, CEO of local food bank, or a local interfaith leader)
Focus on cultural dimensions of Ramadan and Eid (Diversity, multiculturalism, food, family, or community spirit)
17 Ideas for a Potential “Newsworthy” Story
“First Ramadan in the Life of a Convert Muslim” (Invite media to cover the entire cycle from Suhoor to Taraweeh and contrast with his / her life before embracing Islam)
“A Day in the Life of a Young Muslim in Ramadan” (Show how Ramadan disciplines and humanizes young Muslims in contrast with usual portrayal of Muslim youth being extremists….etc.)
“Spirit of Giving” featuring a Muslim Entrepreneur (Showcase a generous donation by a Muslim business person to a social cause in Ramadan. Make it an annual tradition)
“Invite Your Neighbor to Iftar” at a Masjid or at someone’s house.
“Ramadan Cuisine” series, featuring a different cultural Iftar every day / week
“Ramadan Food Drive” for a local food bank (Show Muslims collecting and delivering food)
“Iftar with Our Homeless Neighbors” (Organize the largest city soup kitchen at Iftar time)
“Stronger Family Campaign” in Ramadan (Do a media release and launch of the campaign, showcasing how Ramadan brings families together and strengthens these bonds)
“Fasting Muslims for #BlackLivesMatter” Rally (Peaceful demonstration in support for African Americans or Canadians)
“Multi-Masjid Open House” (Mass advertise in mainstream media a coordinated open house at several ‘public-friendly’ professionally run mosques in your city, featuring brief engaging lectures, mosque tours, cultural food, and giveaways)
“Iftar or Eid Celebration” hosted by the Mayor, or Councillors, or a Congressperson / Member of Parliament
“Eid for All Celebration” (invite public and media to enjoy and celebrate Eid day with the community, starting with Eid prayer)
“Smile at Your Brother” Ramadan Campaign (Design flyers and posters with smiling Muslims promoting smiling and friendliness since it’s Ramadan. Make this campaign go viral on social media)
“Live Simply, So Others Can Simply Live” Ramadan Campaign (Show how Muslims can live without food and water for 12-18 hours)
“Healthy Eating” Ramadan Campaign
“Green Ramadan” Campaign (Show how your local Masjid is making Iftars and Taraweeh environmentally friendly)
“Experience the Melodious Quran Day” (Invite best Qaris / reciters of the Quran in the city to share their melodious voice and the beautiful message of the Quran with media and public. Accompany the event with a Quran exhibit)
“Interfaith Fasting Day” (Engage Jews, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other faith leaders and groups to celebrate the fasting tradition among all faiths. End with a community Iftar)
Creating and pitching a “newsworthy” Ramadan story requires significant planning and legwork, but it’s all worth it.
Let the world see the beauty of your faith and culture. Let everyone experience it! What’s there to hide?
Filed under American Muslims, Canadian Muslims, Dawa & Outreach, Media
Tagged as dawa, media, Ramadan
The Sharia I Live…
We have all seen the word Sharia written in red-blood-dripping-fonts accompanied by an image of clouds of smoke emanating from a half destroyed building.
We are witnessing anti-Sharia protests across the United States fueled by emotional chants demanding a ban on “draconian laws” creeping into our country. Continue reading →
Tagged as Islamophobia, lifestyle, media, sharia, shariah, Taha Ghayyur
Interview- MuslimFest Exceeds Expectations of Founders, Critics (Muslim Link Story- Jun. 2010)
As MuslimFest, Canada’s largest Muslim summer festival, gets ready to kick off on July 31st at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre, the Muslim Link sat down with Taha Ghayyur, one of the founders and organizers of the two-day art and cultural festival, to get his thoughts on the need for such event and his hopes for the future of Muslim artistes in North America.
What prompted the creation of MuslimFest?
It was in the summer of 2003 that a group of concerned people, including Muslim artists like Dawud Wharnsby Ali, community leaders like Abdul Malik Mujahid the President of Sound Vision, teachers, and other creative individuals from DawaNet gathered to discuss the most effective ways of connecting with our neighbours, communicating the message of Islam in creative fashion, and engaging Muslim youth.
Moreover, a strong need was felt to offer an alternative to the mainstream entertainment industry so Muslim youth and families could enjoy artistic performances and shows that are safe and grounded in Islamic ethics. Continue reading →
Filed under Canadian Muslims, Dawa & Outreach, Islamic Arts, Media, Muslim Youth
Tagged as Canadian Muslims, dawa, dawanet, Islamic art, muslim artist, Muslim Youth, MuslimFest, sound vision, Taha Ghayyur
May 29, 2010 · 6:46 am
Interview- In Search of Muslims to Tell Their Stories (Globe and Mail Story- Feb. 2010)
By Amira Elghawaby
Aminata Diallo, the fictional protagonist in Lawrence Hill’s bestselling novel The Book of Negroes, realizes early on that she had better cling to the details of her bondage so that she can later recount what she endures. “See, and remember,” she tells herself as her painful journey into slavery begins.
Years later, she fulfills her vision, becoming a djeji, or storyteller, sharing details of her life with people of myriad backgrounds and persuasions. Her story humanizes her to those who would otherwise view her as either a threat or a victim. Continue reading →
Filed under Canadian Muslims, Community, Islamic Arts, Media, Muslim Youth
Tagged as Canadian Muslims, creative expression, halal entertainment, Islamic art, muslim artist, Muslim Youth, MuslimFest, Taha Ghayyur, writing
Interview- Tradition or Science: Muslims Debate Official Start of Ramadan (Metro Story- Aug. 2009)
It is known as the pre-Ramadan headache. But, for Muslims in Toronto, the ailment has nothing to do with anxiety around fasting from sunrise to sunset in the coming days.
Instead, it is caused by confusion that every year precedes the month of fasting, prayer and self-reflection.
Simply trying to answer the question: When does the month officially start?
“It’s a not an easy question to answer,” said Taha Ghayyur, the coordinator of the Muslim information portal Torontomuslims .com, which attempts to sort out the messy details for community members on its website.
“This year it is pretty much between Friday or Saturday … and for some in Toronto, it could also be Sunday,” he said.
Traditionally, Muslims in Toronto have literally looked to the skies on the eve of Ramadan — the month the Quran was revealed — for signs of the new moon to determine when the holy month begins. A second group, mostly from the Arab world, used global moon sighting, and start fasting when Muslims in Saudi Arabia do.
Instead, it ended up doing the opposite.
“It has added to the confusion,” said Ghayyur. “Since most people see all three as Islamically correct, now people have too many options in a way.”
Many in the community say within the issue of moon sighting is a deeper debate. A debate between the those trying to find ways to modernize Islamic traditions within the bounds of Islam, and those struggling to hold fast on to tradition.
I can recall his sparkling smile and extraordinary energy in lifting people’s spirits.
He was a performing artist of remarkable calibre. He was the leader of the Fletcher Valve Drummers, who were first introduced to the Muslim community at MuslimFest 2004, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
The meaning of his Muslim name, Jamaluddin (“Beauty of the Deen”), did not only reflect in the beauty of his personality, but also in the beautiful art he so passionately shared with the world.
Dale Marcell at MuslimFest 2007
Brother Dale (Jamaluddin) Marcell, who embraced Islam about 3 years ago, passed away at his home in Kitchener, ON, on December 11th, 2008. He was in his mid-50’s.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon (To God we belong and to Him we return). May Allah erase his past mistakes and give him the glad tidings of Paradise, Ameen.
Many of us could recall his public declaration of Shahada (acceptance of Islam) at MuslimFest 2005 as he shared the stage with his drumming companions and Dawud Wharnsby: “I love Islam and I love Muslims!”.
Born and raised on a farm on the St. Lawrence in Iroquois, Ontario, Dale Marcell, who was of Aboriginal descent, always had a special interest in the use of drumming in Aboriginal cultures for emotional and spiritual healing.
The layers of rhythm and energetic percussions of the Fletcher Valve Drummers brought a new dimension to the live Nasheed / Musical stage in the Muslim community.
Dale and his group were the all-time favourites at MuslimFest in Canada and at several major events in the UK, as they shared the stage with renowned Muslim performers, including Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Native Deen, 786, and Ashiqe Rasul.
You may watch two of his live performaces at:
May Allah truly reward him for his social work and for lifting the spirits of people around him, Ameen.
May Allah give his family members fortitude to endure this loss, Ameen.
May Allah inspire a new generation of talented Muslim artists and percussionists like Dale to beautify our gatherings and touch the lives of people, Ameen.
From Slavery to Leadership: Muslims in North America
Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Jameel Al-Ameen are perhaps a few names that cross our minds when we consider the evolution of Muslim identity and community in North America. What often escapes notice is the sacrifice, discipline, social justice, leadership, and cooperation modeled by such individuals and their communities.
The organized struggle of North American Muslims begins over seven centuries ago with the civil rights movement led by multitudes of Muslim African slaves. The spirit and movement continues today with the millions of Arab and South Asian Muslim immigrants, as well as the Latin and First Nations indigenous Muslim converts in North America.
Keeping Faith Alive in the ‘New World’
In the story of early African American Muslims, we find fascinating and empowering historical events. The story of Job ibn Solomon Jallo, in the early 1700’s, who was a well-mannered, intelligent, literate trader and Imam, reminds us of the Quranic and Biblical story of Prophet Yaqoob’s (Job) life. Captured in Gambia, Job wrote out three copies of the entire Quran from memory. He was later freed and reunited with his loving son and family[i].
The account of Bilali Muhammad (Ben Ali), an African scholar in the early 1800’s, captivates many as we read about the vibrant Islamic community he built in Georgia, as a slave[ii]. His determination to hold on to Islamic principles, regardless of his circumstances, inspires awe and admiration. In many ways his life parallels the life of Bilal Ibn Rabah, an early African slave convert to Islam in Makkah.
As Amir Nashid Ali Muhammad explains in Muslims in America: Seven Centuries of History (1312-1998):
In the ‘New World’, some of the African slaves suffered doubly tragic fate. Initially, they were enslaved because they were African, but when it was discovered that they were also Muslims, their suffering was compounded. They were tortured, burned alive, hung, and shot unless they renounced their religion and their names. At least 20% of the Africans brought to the U.S. were Muslims from ….the coastal and interior regions of the Islamic empires of Songhai, Ghana, and Mali.[iii]
Early Muslim Participation in America
We discover with pride that there were Muslims, who, in the War of 1812, helped defend America against the British[iv]. In a lecture held at Concordia University, Montreal, Imam Khalid Griggs, a political activist and leader of a North Carolina mosque, highlighted the role Africans played in the American Civil War. He related the stirring account of one African Muslim named Mohammad Ali Ibn Said, who moved to the U.S. from Africa to volunteer for the all-Black 55th division:
“Mohammad Ali said, ‘I do not want to just sit back and not do anything, I want to do something to help my brothers. The blood that joins me is deeper and stronger than the water that separates me from Africa to the United States,’…So he chose to come into a slave country at a time when he was risking his own freedom.” [v]
The first person to request the freedom of all slaves in America was a Muslim.
Muslims fought in many of the early wars.
Muslims were known to live in at least 7 of the 13 original colonies, including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
The early American Muslims have contributed many Arabic words found in English today, such as, admiral, algebra, atlas, banana, cable, camel, checkmate, coffee, cotton, jasmine, lemon, magazine, mask, rice, sofa, sugar, syrup, and zero to name a few.
Columbus was not the first adventurer to travel from Europe to the Americas. Around 986 AD, Moors (people from North Africa) crossed the Atlantic Ocean in ships, bringing back with them people from the new world.
Sadly, the impact of Black, African, and Muslim cultures on world history is often neglected in historical discourse. There are pages of history which tend to get ripped out.
Towards Contribution & Leadership
At this time of globalisation and internationalisation, when all nations are subject to a new world order which denies or forgets God,…based on an exclusive economic logic, Muslims are facing the same responsibilities… Assertive and confident, they have to remind people around them of God, of spirituality and, regarding social affairs, to work for values and ethics, justice and solidarity. They do not forget their environment but, on the contrary, once in security, they should influence it in positive way.[vi]
Contemporary North American Muslims possess a rich seven-century old legacy of dedication, activism, community empowerment, justice, peace, and tolerance, inherited from their Muslim forefathers in this land. They must now change their outlook from the reality of “protection” alone to that of an authentic “contribution” to the society. It is at this unique juncture of Islamic history, constituting the largest and most diverse Muslim minority that we need to study the contribution of African American Muslims as the models that produced the great leaders we long for today.