The Role of Broadcast Media in Promoting Islamic Values

By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI

Broadcast media plays a crucial role in modern society, including in the dissemination of religious teachings and Islamic values. In today’s digital era, the spread of information through broadcast media has become broader and faster, reaching diverse segments of society. Broadcast media functions not only as a communication tool but also as a medium for education, counseling, and shaping societal character. In the context of Islam, broadcast media can serve as a platform to convey enlightening Islamic messages and instill religious values amid increasingly complex lives. To better understand this role, it is important to grasp the definitions of broadcast media and Islamic values.

Broadcast media refers to media that delivers information to a broad audience through audio, visual, or a combination of both channels. Forms of broadcast media include radio, television, and digital platforms such as podcasts, video streaming, and social media. This media plays a central role in disseminating information rapidly, in a structured manner, and accessible to various social groups at local, national, and international levels. In a religious context, Islamic broadcast media refers to these channels being used to spread Islamic messages, such as sermons, religious studies, recitations, and discussions related to Islamic teachings.

Islamic values are moral and ethical principles derived from the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith, which serve as guidelines for a Muslim’s life. These values cover various aspects of life, such as honesty, justice, responsibility, compassion, brotherhood, tolerance, and obedience to Allah. These values apply not only in a person’s relationship with God (habluminallah) but also in human interactions (habluminannas). These teachings aim to create a harmonious, just, and moral life, both individually and collectively in society.

Through an understanding of broadcast media and Islamic values, we can comprehend the importance of media in spreading Islamic teachings that foster peace, justice, and goodness for all humanity. Good media will help build a society with noble character, grounded in the high moral values of religion.

Broadcast media plays an essential role in promoting Islamic values to the broader public. Some of its key roles include:

1. Dissemination of Islamic Information: Broadcast media such as radio, television, and digital platforms can spread Islamic teachings more quickly and effectively. Sermon programs, religious discussions, and khutbah can be accessed by people in various locations in real-time.
2. Religious Education: Broadcast media helps in providing understanding of the basic principles of Islam, such as morality, fiqh, Sufism, and Qur’anic interpretation. Through educational programs, the public can gain a better understanding of Islam.
3. Instilling Moral and Ethical Values: Broadcast media can promote Islamic ethical and moral values, such as honesty, responsibility, and social care. This is done through programs that emphasize the importance of good deeds and noble character in everyday life.
4. Preventing Religious Misinformation: Media can correct misunderstandings about Islam that are often misinterpreted, both from within and outside the Muslim community. This is crucial in addressing negative stereotypes and spreading a true understanding of Islam.
5. Developing Islamic Culture: Broadcast media helps strengthen Islamic identity and culture among the public, whether through religious content, cultural programs, or entertainment that aligns with Islamic teachings.
6. Uniting the Ummah: Media also plays a role in uniting Muslims by spreading messages of peace, brotherhood, and solidarity based on Islamic teachings.

Through various forms of broadcast programming, media can be an important bridge in introducing and promoting Islamic values globally.

In conclusion, Islamic broadcast media plays a vital role in shaping understanding and spreading Islamic values widely and inclusively. With its ability to reach diverse audiences, this media not only serves as a source of information but also as an instrument for education and moral reinforcement. Through proper utilization, broadcast media can become a powerful force in instilling Islamic principles relevant to the challenges of the times and building a society based on the noble values of Islam.

References

1. Azra, Azyumardi. Islam Substantif: Membumikan Nilai-Nilai Islam dalam Kehidupan Berbangsa dan Bernegara. Jakarta: Prenada Media, 2015.
2. Hidayat, Komaruddin. Agama Punya Seribu Nyawa: Islam di Tengah Pluralisme Global. Jakarta: Paramadina, 2012.
3. Lubis, Akhyar Yusuf. Media dan Islam: Pengaruh Media dalam Perkembangan Pemikiran Keagamaan di Indonesia. Bandung: Mizan, 2013.
4. Mulyana, Deddy. Komunikasi Efektif: Suatu Pendekatan Lintas Budaya. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya, 2005.
5. Arifin, Anwar. Komunikasi Islam: Perspektif Dakwah dan Pembangunan. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar, 2011.
6. Fawaid, Abdul Chalik. Pendidikan Nilai-Nilai Islam dalam Kehidupan Modern. Surabaya: Al-Fikr, 2017.
7. Wahyuni, Aisyah. Penyiaran Islam: Peran dan Tantangan di Era Digital. Surabaya: UIN Sunan Ampel Press, 2021.
8. Nasution, Harun. Islam Rasional: Gagasan dan Pemikiran. Bandung: Mizan, 2013.