Anderson: The Internet and Islam's New Interpreters

Anderson's article about the integration of media into Muslim culture shows how the media can be both a good and bad source. But more than anything Anderson highlights how with increased access to media comes increased responsibility on Muslims to represent their faith in the correct light. One century ago books were the new media, but now the people of Islam are beginning to adapt their views on modern technology see that the internet can be a useful tool in allowing them to address and reform the image of Islam. The networks that are created online are promoting religious and political conversation, expression, and representation of the Islam that has previously been confined from the public eye. Also, Muslims are using webpages to reach out to both believers and seekers creating a wider audience and network for knowledge to be spread. The internet has allowed the use of websites,  news groups, email lists, and bulletin boards, but other technologies have helped bring Islam into the age of modern technology as well. Muslims now have easy access to Education material such as the Quraan App on their phone, self help/ advice hot lines, prayer timer apps, maps with mosque locations, cassette sermons, etc. 

However, in this modern world many Muslims are having to find the balance between trying to live a Muslim life in a non Muslim society. It can be hard to interpret religion in a world of competing voices, authorities, and legitimacies. And although media is allowing a broader range of people to view Islam their interpretation could easily be skewed by miscommunication. The responsibility of the new generations of Islam is heavy in the sense that the public eye is watching their every move. Anderson writes that "interpreters, emboldened by confidence in and command of the channel" of media must be careful not to overstep the line between what is an appropriate and respectful debate and what is not. Not only that, but whether or not the author of the information that is now public is representing Islam in a way that will be interpreted correctly.