healthy mind

Media Review
By Maha Al-Bisher

It is a known fact that the media is a powerful tool which

can alter public opinion in a short period of time. What is
new, however; is using media to spread Islamic aware-
ness and Islamic heritage. By “media”, I do not just mean
television, radio, internet, and newspapers, but also mod-
ern forms of media such as: blogs, Youtube, Facebook,
Twitter, and so on.

Young Muslims are blowing us away with their creativity

and their determination to reach their goal of reviving Is-
lamic heritage. They are trying to reach out to the Muslim
youth in particular. If you think this is an easy task, think
again. Young people are extremely hard to please; they
question everything, have a say on every matter and if
the speaker accidentally says something unappealing to
them, they lose interest immediately.

Advertisements
The huge influence television advertisements have on
a nation is undeniable. They creep into the public mind
unconsciously and shape their views. There is no better
example of that than the recent advertisements by the Ab-
dul-Latif Jameel Company. They are the ones that created
those popular catchy ads, “Aklak Hallal”, that discussed
the topic of Muslims’ incomes as being lawful according to
Islamic Law. Short, snappy and straight to the point, they
struck quite a nerve with viewers with their thoughtful plot
and extraordinary cinematography.
Television
Blogs Ahmad Al-Shogairy, the host of the programs Khawater
To amuse someone to the point of hysteric laughter is a and Law Kan Bainana, both of which target young Mus-
powerful talent, and mastering it is indeed an art. Ali Ar- lims, has an original way of speaking and of proposing
dekani, or Baba Ali as he casts himself in his video blogs, Islamic cases that is remarkably appealing and help many
has that talent in spades. He produced several short films viewers easily relate to him. Although he doesn’t rely on
that introduce topics that are rarely spoken of, such as the comical aspect, he definitely has his own unique ways
extravagant weddings and culture versus religion issues. (e.g. he once suggested to use a Powerpoint presentation
With his sharp wit, irresistible humor (stand-up comedy for a Friday prayer sermon.)
style) and sarcastic attitude he approached Muslims all
around the globe. This Ramadan, Al-Shogairy’s Khawater program took the
audience on a journey to Japan. Each episode explored a
different aspect of their society from the way they dispose
of waste, their everyday manners, to how they coped with
Hiroshima and learned from it. His mission from this jour-
ney was to learn from the successes they have achieved
so far; those which have made them one of the top econ-
omies of the world.
I caught up with Ahmad Al-Shogairy to ask him a few
questions:

What are the points you keep in mind while preparing for
your programs (given the fact that you target youth which
make a picky and hard to please audience)?

In order for the show to be successful, I need to keep

several points in mind. First, the program should not be
too lengthy. In our day and age, people get bored easily.
Second, the language I use is important. I had to make
sure the way I spoke would not be thought of as mere
senseless lecturing. I tend to give advice indirectly. Third,
the main theme should be entertainment, with advice be-

quenches the mind

ing just a small part of it; not vice-versa. Finally, the topics
have to be about the youth’s current interest and based on
what they encounter in their everyday lives.

Have you thought of having another educational program

aimed only at parents?

I aim to make the information provided in the programs

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beneficial and attractive to both the younger generations

and the parents. It’s true that our main focus is the youth,
but when the program is on TV, the whole family watches
it; the kids, the parents, and even sometimes the grand-
parents. I’m not planning on making a program for a cer-
tain category; my goal is to talk about general topics that
interest everyone.
OASIS MAGAZINE
Would you say that one of the reasons behind your popu-
larity amongst the young generation is your modern ap-
proach and look?
It’s the whole package. I mean, the whole package is dif-
ferent. The way I talk and look and the focus of the pro-
gram. Although my modern, casual look has its obvious
impact, I do on occasion try to wear the traditional clothes
as well (thobe). There is nothing wrong with being proud of
our customs and traditions, just like there is nothing wrong
with adapting a modern look.

How has the general reaction been to your programs, so

far?

It has been very positive (Alhamdolillah)!

Any parting words of advice for Oasis readers?

Thank you for the interview! I hope that the youth of today
would be more aware of their importance in today’s soci-
ety. They have to realise that they are the future we antici-
pate. They should start setting goals and be determined
enough to accomplish them.