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Internet Islam: an Analysis of U.S.-Based Websites Dedicated to Promoting an Islamic Internet Islam: An Analysis of U.S.-Based Websites Dedicated to Promoting an Islamic Viewpoint in the Post 9/11 World A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Scripps College of Communication of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Mohamed A. Sati August 2009 © 2009 Mohamed A. Sati. All Rights Reserved. This dissertation titled Internet Islam: An Analysis of U.S.-Based Websites Dedicated to Promoting an Islamic Viewpoint in the Post 9/11 World by MOHAMED A. SATI has been approved for the School of Media Arts and Studies and the Scripps College of Communication by Steve Howard Professor of Media Arts and Studies Gregory J. Shepherd Dean, Scripps College of Communication ii ABSTRACT SATI, MOHAMED A., Ph.D., August 2009, Mass Communication Internet Islam: An Analysis of U.S.-Based Websites Dedicated to Promoting an Islamic Viewpoint in the Post 9/11 World (197 pp.) Director of Dissertation: Steve Howard This research examined the phenomenon of Islamic content on the Internet. Five websites, based in the United States were showcased in this study. The purpose was to highlight the content and activities of the websites. The management practices of the websites were also analyzed in order to assess sources of funding and financial performance. A framework to compare and contrast the teachings of a traditional religion through a contemporary media source was developed in this project. Guided by diffusion of innovations and social network theories, this study used qualitative content analysis and interview techniques to investigate websites with Islamic content. Nine participants representing Islamic websites were selected for this project. The first part of this study examined Islam on the Internet, Muslims in the West and western media coverage of Islam. The second segment of open-ended interviews appraised the contributions by Islamic websites to Islamic content on the Internet. The findings of the study highlighted ways in which the websites aimed at educating and informing readers about Islam and about its message. Websites with an Islamic content categorize themselves as active members of the community. Donations and membership dues represent critical ways through which their activities are financed. The intersection of religion and media has witnessed a rapid evolution from traditional media sources to newer and more complex communication and information technology iii platforms. An innovative method of worshipping is emerging in Islam. This new approach is utilizing the power of the Internet as a mass communication apparatus. Religious material is now posted online and is accessible to anyone with an Internet- ready computer. Imams are no longer only found in mosques but are accessible through various media forms including online forums. The Internet is also enhancing the learning culture of Islam by making it easier to research and locate information. This has led to the emergence of a new Islamic movement in the United States – a movement that utilizes emerging communication technologies and allows its followers to practice Islam in a liberating environment, free from strict or controlling religious authorities. Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Steve Howard Professor of Media Arts and Studies iv TO ABDEL MONEIM, KAWTHER, SARA, AHMED, SALEH AND MIMI v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Alhamdu lilah. All thanks and praise to Allah for giving me the strength to pursue and complete my academic work. This dissertation was made possible by the support of many individuals. I want to first thank my dissertation director Dr. Steve Howard. Thank you for your guidance, support, supervision and patience. Thank you for believing in me and for your dedication to this project. There were many instances when Steve’s motivation provided me with much needed encouragement. Steve has been a mentor and a friend, always available to provide direction and I will forever be grateful to him. Many thanks go to my dissertation committee members Dr. Gregory Newton, Dr. Loren Lybarger and Dr. Claudia Hale. Their open door policy ensured they were easily accessible. They were of tremendous help to me in every step of the way. They provided me with valuable direction and support and their time, feedback and insight are much appreciated. Working with the faculty and staff of the School of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University provided me with great pride and pleasure. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to pursue this research project. My deep appreciation goes to many people who supported me during my stay in Athens. Khaled Elmereedi, Dr. Ismail Elmahdi, Abdalla Osman, Salah Nureldin, Ahmed Altahir, Ashraf Omer and Gerard Akindes were my family at Ohio University, with whom I shared many unforgettable conversations. I also want to thank Dr. Agya Boakye- Boaten, Dr. Francis Atuahene and Dr. Archie Peters for their tremendous contributions in making this project a success. vi Finally, my gratitude and love goes out to my family. My dad Dr. Abdel Moneim Satti, my mom Kawther Elobeid, my siblings Sara, Ahmed and Saleh, my uncle Dr. Bakri Eltayeb, my aunt Zihour Elobeid and my uncle Dr. Nureldin Satti. This project will not have been possible without their help and support. I also want to thank my fiancée Mimi Khalifa for her love and patience. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... iii DEDICATION .................................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. vi LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ xii LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................ 2 Research Questions ......................................................................................................... 3 Purposes and Objectives ................................................................................................. 4 Significance and Justification of the Study ..................................................................... 6 Organization of the Dissertation ................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ... 12 Introduction and Background ....................................................................................... 12 The Islamic Faith .......................................................................................................... 15 Knowledge in Islam ...................................................................................................... 17 Contemporary Issues in Islam ....................................................................................... 19 Muslims in the West ..................................................................................................... 23 Western Media Coverage of Islam ............................................................................... 26 Media in Muslim Countries .......................................................................................... 28 Islam on the Internet ..................................................................................................... 34 viii Hijab .......................................................................................................................... 36 Strategic Planning ......................................................................................................... 39 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 39 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................. 45 Diffusion of Innovations ........................................................................................... 45 Social Network Theory ............................................................................................. 48 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 53 CHAPTER 3:RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................... 55 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 55 The Researcher ............................................................................................................. 57 Observer Bias ................................................................................................................ 58 Data Collection ............................................................................................................. 59 Content Analysis ........................................................................................................... 60 In-depth
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