MRN

The aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.

Mixed grill

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

Zapiro cartoon…Is it about Prophets or Profits?

By David Bullard

(source: www.newstime.co.za)

The late Steve Irwin, better known as the Crocodile Hunter, made his name and a very good living from taking chances with dangerous animals. His favourite trick would be to get near the snapping jaws of a crocodile while the camera was rolling. His fame spread and he decided to get close to other dangerous animals until he met his untimely end by swimming underwater with a dangerous ray.

Since then virtually every programme on National Geographic or Animal Planet features some whacko getting close to dangerous animals for our pleasure and amusement. Steve Irwin upped the game and these days no television network would pay for a documentary on the life of lions, however well filmed, unless there was some obvious danger to the presenter.

Experts fuel sensationalism

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Moulana Ebrahim Bham

(source:Independent Newspapers)

The "terror plot" made front-page news. Iraqi authorities had arrested a Saudi citizen, Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani, for planned attacks against the Danish and Dutch teams at the World Cup.

Last week, when the US announced the arrest of Qahtani – who was by then wearing an orange prisoner jumpsuit – a military spokesman referred all questions to the Iraqi government. Soon, al-Qaeda and the description of a "militant" dominated the headlines. Qahtani’s issue was apparently still with the publication of controversial cartoons of Prophet Muhammad which appeared in the Dutch and Danish media in 2006.

When at least two bombs go off every day in Iraq, it seems amazing that security agencies failing to contain the insurgency in the beleaguered country were able to stump "a terror plot" targeting South Africa – thousands of kilometres away. But the reports were carried widely.

Theres need to put limits on freedom

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Yusuf Abramjee

(source: Pretoria News,May 25, 2010 Edition)

Anger is running high within the Muslim community after the Mail & Guardian published a33by Jonathan "Zapiro" Shapiro depicting the Prophet Muhammad complaining to a psychiatrist that "other prophets have followers with a sense of humour".

Zapiro’s caricature was in response to the "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day" campaign on Facebook.I’m convinced that Zapiro sought to be provocative and to cause a stir. He can’t deny that he knew that his33would raise emotions and anger within the Muslim community.

M&G editor Nick Dawes ought to have known better what response the33would elicit. It’s a sensitive matter. We all know what the response was when a Danish cartoonist drew Prophet Muhammad. It caused fury throughout the Muslim world and even today, long after the incident, followers of the Muslim faith still feel hurt and insulted.

Cartoons of the prophet muhammed pbuh

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Aayesha J Soni

The situation concerning the drawing and publishing of cartoons of the prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H) refer. It is an extremely emotional issue which seems to be coming up too frequently in recent times. However, whenever it does come up I am always left feeling a little more confused about our world and human nature.

These cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H) are published in the name of freedom of expression. They are published with the view by many that circulating them is a great victory for democracy and the epitome of freedom in all aspects of our lives. By doing this act we are led to believe that we can now say that we truly exist in a world where we have the right to live as we please, do as we will and say what we think. But why, I still cannot understand? How is it that an act which intentionally aims to hurt another person’s feeling and personal beliefs can be considered a triumph?