Islam and the global challenge: Dealing with distortion of the image of Islam by global media

This paper examines the nature of current media campaign aiming at the distortion of the image of Islam, identifies several tactics used by the detractors of Islam and its symbols, and proposes an appropriate response for dealing with the challenge posed by the global media. It is a contention that the media campaign against Islam is politically motivated, is led by powerful quarters in the Western society, who see in Islam a potential global power and civilizational alternative capable of challenging Western hegemony. Examining several examples from the global media, we have argued that the campaign to distort the Image of Islam endeavours to equate Islam with imposition and aggression, while justifying imposition and aggression against Muslims. In conclusion, a few measures have been proposed for dealing with the challenge of global media.