First issue of Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research can be ordered on Amazon Prime

Source: Yaqeen Institute. The Journal of the Institute for
Islamic Research is now available for order on Amazon
Prime.

Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research has announced that the first-ever Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research is now available on Amazon Prime. The academic-grade publication offers peer-reviewed research articles that deal with the contemporary issues of Islam today.

The publishers aim to:

• Provide a physical, accessible resource for the general public
• Create an opportunity for researchers and academics to connect with Muslims of all occupations and backgrounds
• Tackle the most controversial questions posed to Muslims with evidence
• Maintain academic integrity and relevancy in educating the public, and
• Inspire readers to contribute positively to society.

The Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research is a part of the initiative by Yaqeen Institute to reclaim the narrative on Islam and to make high-quality, academic-grade, peer-reviewed research publications and articles the source of authentic information about Islam and the issues Muslims face today.

Details:

The inaugural issue of this journal includes the following articles:
Stoning and Handcutting—Understanding the Hudud and the Shari’ah in Islam by Dr Jonathan Brown
The Myth of an Antisemitic Genocide in Muslim Scripture by Dr Nazir Khan
Playing the Taqiyya Card: Evading Intelligent Debate by Calling all Muslims Liars by Sheikh Omar Suleiman
Islam is not the Cause of Honor Killings. It’s part of the Solution by Dr Brown
Modern Pathways to Doubt in Islam by Youssef Chouhoud
Clinicians, Imams, and the Whisperings of Satan by Najwa Awad
How the Prophet (s) Rose above Enmity and Insult by Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy and Sheikh Omar
The Structure of Scientific Productivity in Islamic Civilization: Orientalists’ Fables by Asadullah Ali
Islam and the Secular Age: Between Certainty and Uncertainty by Khalil Abdurrashid
Overcoming Pessimism with Faith by Roohi Tahir

Order a copy

SAUDIA is most-followed KSA brand on Facebook

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the KSA national carrier, reports that it is the No. 1 most-followed brand on Facebook in KSA, and the 6th most-followed airline brand globally.

The airline hosted its highest-ever passenger count at more than 32 million guests in 2017. The brand introduced 60 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet last year; launched a new mobile app; and introduced new destinations as well as new sports sponsorship agreements.

The result has been an exponential growth in its follower base. SAUDIA has 7 million followers on social media. The airline recently surpassed the 1 million mark on Twitter and has more than 5.6 million fans on Facebook, and another 0.5 million followers on Google+.

VP of Corporate Communications, SAUDIA, Abdulrahman Altayeb said: “With many new exciting initiatives taking place within the airline, we are continuously focusing on the guest experience and as a result, have been sharing every new development online so that our guests can view the changes that SAUDIA is implementing.

Screen capture of SAUDIA's Facebook page, captured on 4 February 2018.

“We value our guests’ views and interactions with SAUDIA’s online channels, and so in addition to sharing news about upcoming destinations, new aircraft and new features being introduced, we also utilise our channels to listen to feedback and monitor for issues and intervene with customer care and support.”

Details:


In addition to Facebook (@SAUDIARABIANAIRLINES) and Twitter (@SAUDI_AIRLINES), the airline is also active on Instagram (@SAUDI_AIRLINES), Snapchat (@SAUDIA_AIRLINES), Telegram (@SAUDIA_AIRLINES) and YouTube (@YOUTUBE.COM/SAUDIAIRLINES).

Bayara's Social Iftar uses social media fans' recipes

Bayara, known for its dried fruits, nuts and spices in the Middle East, has organised an iftar at The Oberoi, Dubai with a twist - the dishes on the buffet menu were created from recipes crowdsourced from their social media fans.

Source: Bayara. Jean-Marc Lourau, CEO of Bayara, congratulated the winners
whose dishes were featured at the buffet and also shared the progress that
Bayara has made over the last 25 years that they have been in the market.

The invite-only iftar on June 21, 2017 took place at Nine7One restaurant at The Oberoi, Dubai. Fans and their families graced the iftar along with the management of Bayara and media personalities.

Bayara's Head of Marketing, Sylvain Joyau commented, "As a brand we have always focused on connecting with our fans and giving them the best. Driven by this passion, we came up with the idea of Social Iftar, an online-offline activity that helped us have a more intimate relationship with our customers. The event was a huge success only because of our fans and we would like to thank them for their support and love."

With a legacy of 25 years in the region, Bayara has been able to successfully build on the expertise and heritage of Gyma Food Industries, in manufacturing and distributing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products across the Middle East and North Africa region. Bayara is looking forward to have many more social events for its fans in the near future to make it a brand that is Full of Life.

Alizz Islamic Bank sees new social media milestone

Alizz Islamic Bank has reached the milestone of 100,000 Facebook likes. The bank is the first and only Islamic bank and one of only two banks in Oman to experience such popularity on Facebook.

With a strong belief in the power of social media to improve customer service, Alizz Islamic Bank has significantly enhanced its overall social media presence in the past year. In addition to its Facebook achievements, the bank is the first and only Islamic bank in Oman to cross the 30,000-follower milestone on Instagram. 

Alizz Islamic Bank is now the second-most followed bank in Oman, ahead of many of the more established conventional banks and one of only two local banks that have a Snapchat presence.

Alizz Islamic Bank's strong social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and LinkedIn continues to stand out amongst local financial institutions by emphasising the significance of the 'human touch' to start a two-way conversation with the audience, engaging with them on topics of their interest, the bank said. By integrating social media into the banks existing campaigns or creating new ones that capitalize on the spirit of the Omani community, Alizz Islamic Bank has successfully raised the profile of its brand and said marketing using social media has brought solid results.

"We are dedicated to keeping our customers at the heart of everything we do and engaging with them on their platform of choice. Our social media channels give a sense of community with our social media followers; focusing on engagement and listening to what they want. Alizz Islamic Bank is proud to be at the forefront of digital tool adoption. As people rely more and more on social media to receive information and communicate, it is crucial that we as an organisation embrace digital strategies in marketing. Social media enables us to engage with customers more efficiently and with greater precision," said Moosa Al Jadidi, COO, Alizz Islamic Bank.

"Our social media channels are not just about advertising but rather about creating a connection with our customers and providing them with a plethora of channels to interact with us, as well as provide us with feedback and ask questions. We have the best online response time amongst local banks and this is what sets us apart from others and has been central to our success on every social media platform." 

Singapore gets to watch Malaysia's tonton via Singtel CAST

Singtel has launched one of Malaysia’s top streaming services, Media Prima’s tonton, on Singtel’s video streaming app CAST. Together with its current offering of Astro Ria and Astro Prima Malay
channels on Singtel TV’s Inspirasi packs, Singtel now offers the most extensive array of Malay entertainment content to viewers in Singapore.

Exclusively available outside Malaysia for the first time, tonton on CAST will offer over 23,000 hours of curated Malay entertainment, including programmes from TV3, TV9 and tonton originals. Singtel customers can expect to enjoy top-notch Malaysian dramas up to six months ahead of the television broadcast schedule in Malaysia, and also catch live events such as Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian and top-rated dramas such as Ku Kirim Cinta. The over-the-top (OTT) video service is available on CAST’s Aneka Plus pack.

Source: Singtel website. Banner for Ku Kirim Cinta.

Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “We aim to bring our Malay viewers the content that they love on the devices they prefer. With Aneka Plus, our customers can enjoy exclusive first look at top-notch Malay-language content from tonton on their mobile devices. We look forward to adding more compelling OTT content for our customers’ on-the-go viewing pleasure.

“OTT content is an important part of our strategy to connect with our customers. We started strong with companion app Singtel TV GO in 2013 and to further meet our customers’ OTT entertainment demands, we offered Netflix and Viu. We launched CAST as a one-stop solution to their varied viewing needs and quickly expanded our offerings to include exciting OTT options such as FOX+ and tonton.”

CAST streams premium OTT Korean, Asian, English and Malay-language, and sports content. In addition to Aneka Plus, CAST offers Partner Apps, Viu Premium and FOX+, as well as Variety Plus,
Asian Plus and Sports Plus packs.

Interested?

For a limited time, customers who purchase any CAST pack on a 12-month subscription will enjoy the first three months free.

Aneka Plus is available on CAST at a special introductory offer of S$7.90/month with the first three months free (applicable with the 12-month contract). To subscribe to Aneka Plus on CAST, customers can go to any Singtel shop, Singtel Exclusive Retailers, or sign up online.

In conjunction with the launch of Aneka Plus and Hari Raya celebrations, Singtel will be hosting faces of tonton, Ayda Jebat and Redza Rosli who are the main cast for the drama series,Ku Kirim Cinta, and Queen of tonton Dato Seri Vida at a meet-and-greet session for customers during CelebFest at Suntec City Convention Centre on 16 and 17 June. Customers can visit singteltv.com.sg/fuyohhraya for more details.

KSA Ministry of Haj and Umra holds award ceremony for Hajj media awards

Source: Ministry of Haj and Umra, KSA. Dignitaries at the award ceremony.

HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Bentin, the KSA Minister of Haj and Umra, has hosted the annual ceremony for heads and members of Pilgrims' Affairs Offices, the Grand Haj Seminar guests, and the winners of the ministry's media award for the Hajj season of 2015 (1436).

HE Dr Bentin stated: "Hajj is a civilised behaviour manifesting the Islamic solidarity. The Hajj system success is based on the cooperation of the agencies concerned with Hajj affairs in the Islamic countries and the Muslim-minority regions, and on compliance with regulations and instructions. This has a part in this year's Hajj performance without hindrance. The awareness programmes targeting Hajj pilgrims, in their countries before leaving to the KSA, facilitated their Hajj pilgrimage, and enabled them to fully benefit from the services."

HE also noted that this year's Grand Haj Seminar has led to a number of principal recommendations that could be transformed into projects of benefit to the Islamic world.

HE Dr Ammar Mirghani, the Sudanese Minister of Endowments and Guidance, represented the heads of Pilgrims' Affairs Offices with a speech in which he congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz; HRH the Crown Prince; and HRH the Deputy Crown Prince for the success of this years' Hajj season (2016, or 1437). Dr Mirghani stated: "The major developments are evident to Hajj pilgrims in the different ports of entry: airports, seaports, roads, drilling tunnels, and constructing bridges."

Dr Mirghani also touched on the foreign pilgrims' e-portal, calling it "one of the largest technical projects designed to serve Hajj pilgrims". "The e-portal had positive outcomes, and contributed to the comfort of Hajj pilgrims, and to arranging the pilgrims' arrival to the KSA, performance of the Hajj rituals, and departure."

Dr Mirghani in addition stressed the seriousness of the challenges facing the Islamic world, which he said must unite against terrorism, radicalism, and enemies' deception.

Suliman bin Awad Al-Zaidi, the Secretary General of the award, shared that the focus is on Hajj-related vivid humanitarian images and spiritual values. There are 15 categories of media including writers, media practitioners and agencies that accompanied the Hajj pilgrimage, and whose works contributed to improving the Hajj system through opinion, direction, shedding light on the efforts, calls to adhere to the values, as well as Hajj literature and aesthetics.

He said that a large number of works, particularly of print media, were nominated this year. The winners for the 1436 Hajj season are as follows:

Award for the best, most comprehensive media coverage of the Hajj system: Makkah newspaper.
Award for the best print article: Dr Hamoud bin Ali Abu Talib, of Okaz newspaper, for a series of published articles. 

Award for best reporting: Jamaan bin Abdullah Al-Kenany, of Al-Riyadh newspaper, for his article Tawafa: profession that has remained for centuries. 

Award for best humanitarian subject: Mohammed bin Abdul-Bary Al-Aidarous, Al-Jazirah newspaper, for his article Honoring the parents clearly embodied at the holy sites

The best press report award went to Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Zayed of Al-Watan newspaper, for a series of published reports. 

The best interview award was given to Walid bin Ali Omair of Al-Riyadh newspaper for his interview with HH the former KSA Minister of Haj.

The best photo award recognised Photojournalist Ahmed bin Mahmoud Hashad, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, for his photo Al-Khif Mosque on 08/12/1436. 

The conferences award named two journalists from Al-Madina newspaper: Majid bin Abdullah Al-Soqairi and Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Nahari, for Al-Madina conference addresses the aspects of the operational plans, and of the services provided to Haj pilgrims in Madinah.

In the broadcast category, the visual media award was won by TV reporter Hassan bin Abdul-Jaber Othman, of Almajd TV Network, for Rushing Haj pilgrims, while the audio media award had two winners, Jeddah radio station for the program The sacred journey to Al-Masjid al-Haram, "The Holy Mosque"; and to Nidaa Islam radio station, for the program: Step by Step.

The online category recognised Makkah E-journal, for a series of visual reports on some of the Hajj sectors with the e-journals and websites award. 

At the event Dr Hamoud bin Ali Abu Talib commented that the award has become an environment for promoting innovative ideas, illustrating the humanitarian and cultural concepts of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. He listed the award objectives: supporting and encouraging media organisations and their employees to provide the best of the various professional works; and establishing a competitive environment leading to innovation; so as to improve the Hajj system; and to highlight the efforts exerted by the state to allow Hajj pilgrims to perform the rituals easily and conveniently. 

Alchemiya offers uplifting content for Muslims on streaming platform

The Alchemiya streaming service is offering a limited promotion to watch its content for three months for a small fee. Alchemiya currently has over 50 films, documentaries and lifestyle programmes on offer, with new content added regularly. The films are streamed over the Internet onto connected devices like phones and laptops, and not downloaded.

According to Alchemiya's founders, there is also little content for a Muslim audience, which is "young, well-educated, politically aware and socially conscious". The platform presents uplifting content and a side of Muslims and Islam that is widely unknown.

"There is a lot of misinformation and lack of understanding about our faith. It is our intention to create content that breaks down negative stereotypes and makes people reconsider their views," the company states on its website.

Alchemiya will also support creatives producing Muslim-related content by giving them paid commissions and promoting their work. "We are also on the hunt for the next generation," the founders said.

Interested?

Watch the trailer for Islam in Color

Alchemiya costs US$160 for 24 months. Take advantage of the three-month limited time offer

Haj Media Award deadlines announced

The Haj Media Award jury, led by Secretary General, Suliman bin Awad Al-Zaidi, has announced a deadline of 29/8/1437 (Islamic calendar; corresponds to June 6, 2016) for nominated submissions by individuals, groups, and organisations for the Haj Media Award for Hajj 1436, the season of 2015. The award ceremony has the proposed period of the first half of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1437 (August 5 to 19, 2016). The decisions were made by His Highness the KSA Minister of Haj, Dr Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar, head of the award committee. 

The Haj Media Award aims to diversify media products, and to promote quality content, as well as encourage writers and media professionals to keep pace with the specific services provided every year to Hajj pilgrims. On a higher level, the award aims to achieve the aspirations and the policy of the Saudi government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Deputy Crown Prince.

Awards will be given out for the best comprehensive media coverage of Hajj activities among press reports, interviews, reports, surveys, documentary programmes, visual programmes, opinion articles, seminars, photographs, and caricatures across print, visual, audio, and electronic media. Submissions are to be judged on whether they promote the humanitarian and cultural values; support justice, transparency, trust, commitment, and distinction; and enhance the creativity of media professionals and of writers; so as to add to the Hajj system, and to highlight specialised Hajj media. 

His Highness' directions have been for the jury to include prominent figures from outside the ministry: Shura council (Majlis as-Shura) members, media practitioners, and specialised academics among them in order to increase transparency, and to improve the process through professional ideas. The jury now includes Dr Sadaqa Yehia Fadel from the Shura Council, Mohammed Al-Mokhtar Al-Fal, a member of the media, Dr Mohammed bin Ali Hendia, Dr Anmar bin Hamed Motawi', and Dr Samir Habeeb Bakhesh.

The Secretary General hopes that media professionals, writers, and media organisations will be motivated by the award to conduct in-depth research; create an environment of positive interaction between the system and the media, and to utilise new ideas broadcast in the media during Hajj coverage. 

Source: Ministry of Haj, KSA.

Interested?

Media organisations, writers, and journalists may submit works published or broadcast during Hajj 1436. These works must be authentic, in accordance with the award standards, and produced by the applying organisation, person, or group. The submitted work must not have been previously submitted for other awards. Contact the Ministry of Haj for details

Eton Institute to help Arabic learners with Emirati Arabic from November to December 2015

Source: Eton Institute website.

In celebration of the 44th UAE National Day, Eton Institute, a learning and development solutions provider, offers to send a new word or phrase in Emirati Arabic every day from 1 November to 2 December 2015 via a chosen social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Whatsapp.

Interested?

To get the Arabic phrases through Whatsapp, add ‘Eton Institute’ to your contact list:  +971 55 566 1483, then send them your name via a WhatsApp message

To get the Arabic phrases on other social media, follow Eton Institute on Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Viki or YouTube.

Qatar Digital Library makes archive freely available online

The Qatar Digital Library (QDL) is making a vast archive featuring the cultural and historical heritage of the Gulf and the wider region freely available online, for the first time. 

Source: Qatar Digital Library website.

The aim is to transform the study of Gulf history, improve understanding of the Islamic world, Arabic cultural heritage and the modern history of the Gulf, states the website. 

The QDL includes rich media including digital versions of archives, maps, manuscripts, sound recordings, and photographs complete with contextualised explanatory notes and links in both English and Arabic.

Half a million images are expected to be available on the QDL by end-2014. Current highlights include:

• India Office Records that span the period 1763–1951, comprising files from the Bushire Political Residency Records and the Bahrain Agency Records 
• J. G. Lorimer’s Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia (1908, 1915), a classic introduction to the history of the Gulf 
• Five hundred maps, charts and plans of the Persian Gulf and the wider region 
• The Private Papers of Sir Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf between 1862 and 1872 
• Arabic Scientific Manuscripts from the British Library’s Manuscripts Collections, covering topics such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy and engineering 
• A selection of photographs, postcards and other printed objects as well as sketches, drawings and watercolours; etchings, engravings and illustrations 
• A selection of audio collection materials including 200 shellac discs recorded in Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq between 1920 and 1940 

Explore the QDL by curated topics here.

Seminar on Islamic Advertising to be held this September in Malaysia

The Department of Communication, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), in collaboration with the Centre for Islamisation (CENTRIS), IIUM, is organising the International Seminar on Islamic Advertising 2014 (ISIA2014) this September. 

Malaysia's position as the global halal hub, the growing Muslim populace and the existence of unethical advertisements have spurred the proposed discussions on Islamic advertising. ISIA2014 aims to bring together academicians, advertisers, persons from advertising associations, regulators, media persons, students and those who are interested in Islamic advertising; in theory and in practice, for discussions on the theme, 'Advertising with a Conscience’. 

The organisers expect the seminar to outline the issues of advertising in the Muslim world; conclude with recommendations regarding the Islamic perspective of advertising to regulatory authorities; and to lead to with a publication on advertising and Islam.

Academicians, advertisers and the advertising industry, media, and students are expected to attend. 

Dates: 26 to 27 September 2014 

Venue: Senate Hall, IIUM Gombak Campus

Cost: RM350 for students, RM500 for others; early bird discounts apply till 14 August.

Registration: A registration form can be requested from isia.comm2014@gmail.com or in person on the first seminar day.