Diffusion of daʻwah through broadcasting media : the experience of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM)

• Main Author: Ghani, Zulkiple B. Abd
• Published: University of Edinburgh 1996
• Subjects: 384.5409595
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.640115

This study is concerned with the utilisation of broadcasting media in the diffusion of <I>da<SUP>c</SUP>wah</I>, notably the experience of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM). There is a close affinity between the technology of the media which make them the most effective means of widely disseminating information and the obligation laid upon every Muslim, the task of <I>da<SUP>c</SUP>wah</I>. The study begins with an examination of the meanings, theory and development of <I>da<SUP>c</SUP>wah</I> from an Islamic perspective. This is followed by an evaluation of the contemporary <I>da<SUP>c</SUP>wah</I> phenomenon in Malaysia, whose multifarious dimensions have had an impact on RTM services. As a result of its ramifications, there has been a growing concern among Islamists to Islamise broadcasting media in order to realise the concept that Islam is <I>al-dm</I>. The main theme stressed by them in their efforts is that as Muslims, they have to abide by Islamic tenets. Thus their views on the present practice of broadcasting operations, especially in Muslim countries, are analysed. In addition, the principles of Islamic broadcasting, as they have articulated them, are explored. In the light of the principles of Islamic broadcasting formulated by Islamists and in accord with the Malaysian government's policy towards "more Islam", the present services of RTM are then surveyed. Because the notion of <I>da<SUP>c</SUP>wah</I> is broad, a macro-level analysis of the RTM organisation is made. Though RTM services are not entirely based on Islamic principles, they do, to some extent, respond positively to the demands of Islamists by broadcasting "Islamic religious programmes" through radio and television. RTM's experience in dealing with these programmes, in terms of their history, programming, and content, are then discussed.