Who Is In Control?

As we discussed in class, some authority figures within religious groups are feeling threatened by the use of media as a result, causing much controversy. I will be discussing how video blogs, specifically looking at one in particular, are delocalizing authority in Islam. Ali Ardekani is the creator of a popular religious blog, Ask Baba Ali.  Once a week he tapes short videos pertaining to a wide variety of topics where he offers life advice as a Muslim. For example is videos range from the contexts of marriage, friendship, work and religion. His popularity and amount of views earned him some airtime on the UK-based Islamic Channel. As a spokes person on behalf of the Muslim community,  his advice is heard my many and he has received religious labels along with his fame. This has become controversial because in these labels given it can be mistaken for the mimicking of the importance of religion. This adoptiong of mass mediated    information reduces the traditional roles of religious or state authority. Usually the people look to religious or state authority figures for answers, and now they are turning to a Muslim guy who has gained popularity through his whit and charm. What once started as an innocent gesture, informing a few viewers   of his stance of virtues, turned into something that now has sponsors and mullions turn to for entertainment or answers. This example of video blogging backs up an assumption Cheong makes in her article claiming that online religious activity erodes religious authority. Now days,  non-professionals can post false information regarding religious information where as before, only elites had the power to do so . These outcomes show that online starts triumphing offline creating a crisis for traditional authority.

I found a great article that is interesting and well worth reading on this topic of the intrusive role Media plays within authority.

 http://www.media-anthropology.net/echchaibi_audiotapes_videoblogs.pdf 

Religion: Any Time, Anywhere

As a member of the website, IslamiCity.com, you are allowed access to live TV channels that offer a variety of different outlets that connect you to the religious experience you are searching for. For example,   the website offers a link where you can connect to Saudi Quran TV. From there you can watch live Hajj Program, the Daily, Friday, Taraweeh and Eid prayers from Masjid Al- Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Another link offered on the site gives you the ability to watch 24 hours like Hajj coverage from Makkah by the click of button. This any time, any where feature the internet offers makes religious practices easily to maintain and compatible with busy schedules. This strengthens the individuals ability to perform religious rituals because without this option, people may exclude from participating in religious acts because of conflicting life schedules. Of religions many definitions, most agree that it is the service and worship of what an individual believes in. Though media technology is new for many cultures, it is becoming more and more necessary and an essential component in everyday life. The ability to get on a website and connect to live coverage of Makkah, prayer services, and other religious practices enhances one's spiritual journey because they performing an act of worship by seeking to further their spiritual life.

A Virtual City

Mohammed Aleem, the CEO of Islamicity.com, created this website which can be described upon entering as arriving to a virtual city. The website consists of a range of outlets such as; an education center, a business and finance plaza, and an online shopping bazaar that offers a range of Muslim-themed items, like books, toys, clothes, ect. His website brings together Muslims from all over and engages them in activities that assist them in the  growing of their faith. Whether thats purchasing a book, watching sermons, or participating in online chats. Through these online chat rooms that are offered Muslims are able to post messages to discussion boards and download lectures or debates. This is a young community but these discussions are becoming more common. They are tools that allow them to express there faith and dive deeper into questions that are concerning them. The use of these chats is extremely beneficial because now, at any time, a Muslim can log on to the internet and greater knowledge and understanding then he had before. For Islamic women this new digital culture is groundbreaking because now women can be seen as an equal when sharing or searching for information when in the past women have had less or no power in sharing knowledge. With the ability to shop, read the Qur'an, participate in chats, read the news, and much much more, the need for face to face interaction has dwindled. The Islamic religion places great emphasis on community and this may redefine what Muslims once called 'community'. They are still gaining knowledge, interacting, and growing spiritually however, now it is just through a computer screen instead of face-to-face . 

http://pluralism.org/ocg/CDROM_files/islam/struggling.php

In this article, "Struggling Against Stereotypes" it discusses the medias influence and impact on Islam. The portrayal of Muslims in American media has become a great concern, and one of the most widely discussed issues in the Muslim community. Sadly, in todays times when the name "Islam" is brought up in news papers, articles, television, ect., it has become  a reoccurring theme to find demeaning words such as terrorist, fanatic, and violence. This article discusses the effects this negative stereotyping has on the community and the struggle to fight against this discrimination.  A number of organizations are being created to help fight against this dangerous and malicious stereotyping. Muslims are encouraging each other to speak out and stand up for their religion. Websites are also being created to advocate the harms this is doing and the actions Muslims can take to help prevent this. This article shows just how powerful the media is in conveying stereotypes and convincing people of ideas that may completely be false. It is important to be aware of the Media's influence and power so you can form your own opinions and stop false stereotyping.

The Integration of Technology and Religious Rituals

The most important practice of the Islam religion is five pillars which they must carry out to show the importance of their faith and  put their beliefs into action. The public call to prayer at certain times sets a daily patter for Muslims. Throughout this course, I will be looking at how online resorces and technology had an effect on the core values and traditions of this prayer time, and also the Islam community.