Islam Channel

Islam Channel

Despite constituting one fifth of the world’s population, Muslims and Islam are currently misrepresented in the global media. This has led to a large demand amongst Muslims for television that reflects their needs and programmes that are founded upon Islamic values.

Islam Channel aspires to be an alternative channel; it will advance unbiased and accurate images of Islam and Muslims and endeavour to bring about cultural understanding and awareness for a peaceful and harmonious co-existence amongst communities.

What is Islam Channel?

• Islam Channel is the first free-to-air, English language, Islamic-focused satellite channel available in Europe and North Africa on Eurobird 6 and Astra 2A, 2B on frequency 12,523.00 GHz X horizontal and in UK also on the Sky platform (Channel 813).

• Islam Channel provides innovative and exciting programming that personalise Islamic themes as well as entertain the Muslim viewers.

• Its aim is to be the premium global channel with an Islamic focus.

• The channel has been running transmission for over one year.

Popular Programmes

There are a number of programmes which enjoy significant popularity amongst Muslims in the United Kingdom as well as throughout Europe and North Africa, covering global politics, community activities, womens' issues as well as Islamic education[1].

Hassan and Habibah

Hassan as-Saleemi and Habibah Ellahee are married co-hosts of this light social affairs programme. They are widely known among Muslims as "Hassan and Habibah", their show is entitled 'The Hassan and Habibah Show'. The show is described as a

"unique show..live husband and wife talk show discussing issues with different guests. This refreshing weekly discussion show examines social issues that deal with family, marriage and various other topics" [2]

They are noted for challenging mainly South-Asian cultural perceptions on the nature of Islam, dealing with topics such as forced marriage, domestic violence (with the 'Muslim women's helpline'[3]), depression (with the 'Muslim Youth Helpline'[4]) and infertility problems (with Dr Mohammad Taranissi [5] [6]).

They have on occasion dealt with more serious topics, specifically on the 25th December 2004, in a 2-hour special, they did a show entitled "Prisoners of Iman", discussing cases of Muslims that have been imprisoned for their faith, or political activity. They interviewed the wife of Ian Nisbet, one of the "Egypt Three" [7].

Previous events co-hosted by Islam Channel

Global Peace & Unity

A major event Aattended by 25000 muslims and non-muslims in December 2005. Guests speakers included CEO Mohammed Ali, Yvonne Ridley, Yusaf Estes, Salma Yaqoob, Imran Khan and many more. Live performances by Zain Bikha, Dawood Wharnsbey and Junaid Jamshed.

Islamaphobia: A Dilemma in the West

• The Islam Channel convened a conference on Islamophobia held in Copenhagen on the 13th of May 2006 [8]. The conference was attended by 150 participants from countries around the world, with approximately another 1000 in the audience. Participation in the question and answer sessions was enhanced by a television audience of millions across Europe and North and West Africa. While the majority were Muslims, many others were Christians or of other beliefs.
• Speakers at the event included CEO of Islam Channel Muhammad Ali, Mayor of London Ken Livingston, political analyst and journalist Yvonne Ridley, Islamic speakers Shaykh Yusuf Estes and Jamal Badawi, as well as a broad range of other speakers.

External Links

• Islam Channel website
  
• Islam Channel discussion forum
  
• Islamaphobia: A Dilemma in the West - Event hosted by Islam Channel which occured in Copenhagen on 13th May 2006.
  Global Peace & Unity - Event hosted by Islam Channel which occurred in London on 4th December 2005.