In the past 2 to 3 years, we’ve seen a shift of power from controlled and organised media organisations backed by governments or broadcasting companies to a new form of media that is provided by citizens and the general public through the internet. It’s been dubbed as “Social Media”, since it is provided from the ground level by everyday people. Tools such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and blogs have been the driving force behind such a shift.

I’ve recently noticed this power shift in the coverage of the war on Gaza. There are now Twitter updates flying around the clock from Gaza and from local sources describing minute by minute the horror committed by Israel. The speed in which you get these news by far surpasses the speed you get from any other media organisation. You can now watch unedited footage on YouTube from cameramen covering the war, which you’ll never come across on your news channel. 

I’ve to admit it’s a terrifying experience reading these updates and watching these videos, but at the same time you don’t want them to stop. They are documenting history, and they are telling the world what’s happening on the ground level. For some of us, this is closest you’ll ever get to a battle-zone. But more importantly, it’s what keeps us in touch with what’s happening there, so we don't forget and keep praying for them, and helping them with whatever resources we have. Reminds me of the story of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) describing a battle while it was happening miles from Medina to those around him, live, through the revelation of Allah. That kept those around the Prophet in touch, and other than being a miracle of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) it was also a unique moment of connecting to those facing adversaries and showing solidarity with them, at least spiritually.

Yet I’ve to add that these tools are so accessible, that governments and organised media are catching up  on them as well and trying to maintain their grip on the world media. Only recently, Israel opened it’s own YouTube channel showing people how their air strikes are purely targeting Hamas “headquarters”. A lie that has been exposed in a recent BBC article.

As productive Muslims, we should embrace this new social media for greater purposes than just social tools. It’s time to use words, pictures, videos, and twitters, as our ammunition to tell the untold about Palestine, and everything we care about in today’s world. Next time you hear a talk that inspires you, record it, and post it online. Or blog about it, and let others share it. 

I might write up a guide in the future about using these new web tools in the greater good and in the spirit of ProductiveMuslim.com but in the meantime try exploring these new media, especially to find out more about what’s really happening in Gaza.