Introduction
This is the second of the two essays assessing the contents and validity of Internet Web sites dealing with Islam. The objective of this essay is to demonstrate what the average person looking for information about Islam would come across using one of the five most popular search engines (MSN, Google, Lycos, Yahoo, and HotBot). To research this, the keyword Islam was used as a search. Both assuming that browsers will only look at a handful of sites to gather information and that they turn to sites which will not take too much time to come across, only each twentieth Web site of the first two hundred Web sites were used. The name, Web address, and topics claimed to be covered by the Web sites are offered in the following tables to demonstrate what the average person looking for information about Islam, using one of the five most popular search engines, would come across.
The actual contents and validity of the Web sites are examined and graded based on the criteria outlined in the following grading key. Comments have been included to both support and justify the basis on which the sites were graded.
Grading Key:
A: A Web site which uses reliable sources and adequately addresses the issues surrounding the religion of Islam, providing a range of factual and useful information that is portrayed in either an objective or moderately positive light.
B: A Web site which uses reliable sources and sufficiently addresses the issues surrounding Islam, providing factual information that is portrayed in either an objective or moderately positive light, but fails either in its range and/or depth of information.
C: A Web site whose sources are questionable, but still provides factual, albeit limited, information about Islam which may be communicated in a subjective and/or unconstructive manner.
D: A Web site whose sources are highly suspect, and that provides inaccurate and/or misinformation about the issues surrounding Islam.
F: A Web site whose sources are highly suspect, and that provides both inaccurate and/or misinformation in a negative manner.
N/A: The site does not communicate or provide any information about Islam. The site and/or links to information on the site are either under construction, unavailable, moved, or non-existent. The site may also serve another purpose such as a resource guide to information or an E-mailing network.
Table 1: Grading of Web Sites
|
Search Engine: MSN Web pages re-accessed on: 11/11/03 |
|
|
Web site |
1. (20) Frontline – Muslims |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Examines Islam through the stories of diverse Muslims |
|
Comments |
Very reputable site known for its objectivity. The site provides an in-depth report about Islam from a number of different perspectives and covers a broad range of issues ranging from major themes (including Islam and the West, Islamic Beliefs, Laws and Practice, and Women and Islam), interviews, frequently asked questions, and portraits of ordinary Muslims from five countries (Egypt, Nigeria, America, Malaysia, Turkey and Iran). |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
2. (40) Women & Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Various progressive articles covering a range of topics in Islam |
|
Comments |
Site is legitimated and supported by the Foundation for National Progress and made possible by individual contributions. Articles are very tailored and specific topics which do not, in and of themselves, provide much comprehensive information about Islam. Many articles may lead less informed readers to misconceptions as they cover many sensitive issues such as human rights and Shari‘ah in Nigeria, Christian missionaries in the Muslim world, but it is positive that these things are at least being thought about and discussed. A historical background and/or an overview of the religion would be helpful. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
3. (60) Nation of Islam – Beliefs |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
A paper about Louis Farrakhan from a Christian perspective |
|
Comments |
Web site unable to be accessed on 11/11/03 |
|
Web site |
4. (80) Examining the Black Muslim Movement, Nation of Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
A discussion about the black Muslim movement by a Christian perspective |
|
Comments |
A pro-Christian site manned by a volunteer group. There is only one article in the site’s database that refers to Islam. The article, which is an examination of the black Muslim movement, can be considered politically incorrect as it uses some outdated terms to refer to African-Americans. It argues, among other things, that the Nation of Islam is a racist cult. |
|
Grade |
F |
|
Web site |
5. (100) Islam Online – 6 Muslims killed in Karachi |
|
URL |
www.islam-online.net/English/news/2003-10/03/article09.shtml |
|
Topics |
News article from October 3, 2003 |
|
Comments |
A multi-lingual site supported by Afkar, a Gulf based technology company also used by the Qatar Ministry of Interior and Al-Jazirah. Provides an interactive range of options covering an abundance of topics within Islam. This article in particular is part of a larger attempt to report headline news in a fair manner. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
6. (120) Islam, the Qur’an & the Torah – There is Only One God |
|
Topics |
|
|
URL |
Examines the Qur’an |
|
Comments |
Penned by a Christian with seemingly no academic or other qualifications, this article is a rather simplistic look into the Qur’an. The author writes, for instance, ‘there’s a lot of wasting repetition’ and ‘in the end, there is surprisingly little in the Qur’an that is both substantial and unique.’ |
|
Grade |
F |
|
Web site |
7. (140) Islam in Kyrgyzstan |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
An overview of Islam in Kyrgyzstan |
|
Comments |
This site is provided by the United States government through the Peace Corps in an effort to provide guidelines for a more global curriculum in the American school system at the elementary and high school levels. This site, specifically aimed at the teaching of grades 6-9, provides basic, yet fundamental, historical facts about Islam. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
8. (160) Where Islam and Christianity Agree and Differ on Jesus |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
A comparative discussion about Jesus in Christianity and Islam |
|
Comments |
Supported by the Islamic Centre of America. Both authors on the site are scholars with viable credentials. Information on the site is narrated between questions and answers, addressing many diverse topics in Islam. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
9. (180) Answering Islam – Wife Beating in Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Discusses the status of the wife in Islam via the Qur’an, Hadith , and other sources |
|
Comments |
A website maintained by the Evangelical Christians who claim neither to be scholars nor affiliated with any organization. On the subjective side, cases are argued on the premise of one line in the Hadith and are manipulated when out of context. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
10. (200) Al-Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Basic beliefs, history, and resource guide to Islam |
|
Comments |
Maintained by individuals, this site warns in a disclaimer that there may be inaccurate information. It was originally established by the Ahlu’l Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project. A large amount of information is posted by prominent scholars, leaders, etc. Each topic in the spectrum of issues provided is covered from varying viewpoints. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Search Engine: Google Web pages re-accessed on: 11/11/03 |
|
|
Web site |
1. (20) IslamWeb.net |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
World headlines, overview, beliefs, current issues |
|
Comments |
Source of information is unclear. A good source for beginners to Islam: provides facts, misconceptions, and ‘need to know’ information. For the experienced Muslim, the site provides Fatwah, Hadith and current issues. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
2. (40) Women in Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Personality of a woman as defined by Qur’an and Sunnah, women in society, etc. |
|
Comments |
Maintained by the Muslim Student Association at the University of Southern California. Includes references for research, information for new-to-Islam individuals, special topics (economics, law, human rights, etc.), glossary and other tools. Most of the information concerning women comes from the Islamic Centre of Southern California, the International Islamic Publishing House, and other reputable sources. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
3. (60) ForIslam.org |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Electronic E-mailing service |
|
Comments |
Does not provide any information or services other than E-mailing. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
4. (80) Introduction to Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Info by topic: Allah, cleanliness, contribution, human rights, Jesus, etc. |
|
Comments |
Discusses the Five Pillars of Islam in depth, the life and importance of the Prophet Mohammed (sws), Islam in respect to other religions, and other fundamentals of the Islamic faith. It is unclear who is behind the page or where the information comes from, however. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
5. (100) Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Historical information |
|
Comments |
Under the direction of Washington State University. Includes history of Islam, culture, readings, atlas, glossary, and Internet resources. Tends to focus, however, on the culture of Arabs as a model for explaining Islam, instead of looking at Islam in a more global setting. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
6. (120) Islam – Wikipedia |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Islam as defined by this encyclopaedia |
|
Comments |
This site can be manipulated and changed by anyone who accesses it. On the whole, the pages about Islam seem accurate; but because of the nature of the site, should not be heavily relied on for sound information. |
|
Grade |
D |
|
Web site |
7. (140) Scholars of Islam and the Tragedy of September 11th |
|
URL |
Groups.colgate.edu/aarislam/response.htm |
|
Topics |
Statement from the Academic Organizations pertaining to Islam |
|
Comments |
Collection of statements from around the world from leaders, states, and organizations supporting Islam as compiled by a professor from Colgate University. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
8. (160) About Women in Islam – A resource page |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Collection of information regarding women and Islam |
|
Comments |
A site maintained by Evangelical Christians, who claim neither to be scholars nor affiliated with any organization. On the subjective side, cases are argued on the premise of one line in the Qur’an and are manipulated when out of context. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
9. (180) The Status of Sunnah in Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Various papers discussing the status of Sunnah |
|
Comments |
Maintained by the Qur’an and Sunnah Society of North American. Information is largely a series of quotes and verses neither elaborated nor put into context. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
10. (200) Rizwi’s Bibliography for Medieval Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
List of references and links for research |
|
Comments |
Provides an abundance of varying resources for further research. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Search Engine: Lycos Pages re-accessed on: 11/12/03 |
|
|
Web site |
1. (20) IslamWay.com |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Audio lectures, how-to guides (prayer, etc.), educational materials |
|
Comments |
Under the direction of the Islamic Association of Canada and North America, this site is maintained by volunteers. Encourages daily practices that are highly subjective. For instance, the site, under the heading ‘How to Make Your Wife Happy,’ tells readers to ‘ensure she is wearing proper Hijab before leaving the house’ and under the sub-heading ‘Correcting Her Mistakes’ tells readers ‘the last solution is hitting her.’ |
|
Grade |
D |
|
Web site |
2. (40) Islam The Eternal Path to Jannah |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Resources, links, articles, news |
|
Comments |
A site created and maintained by a recent graduate of computer science and technology from an unspecified university. A large portion of the site is based on this individual’s thoughts and opinions, with a few articles and quotes from selected authors. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
3. (60) www.islam-usa.com |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Poems, prose, articles, links |
|
Comments |
All the information found on this site is penned by Shahid Athar, a Professor at the Indiana School of Medicine. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
4. (80) The Institute of Islamic Information and Education |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Dedicated to providing the most accurate look at Islam in America |
|
Comments |
A site created and maintained by a not-for-profit religious organization. Addresses many different issues in Islam, but from a one-sided perspective as there is not much variation in authors and sources. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
5. (100) Al-Islam.org |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Article library |
|
Comments |
Maintained by individuals, this site warns in a disclaimer that there may be inaccurate information. It was originally established by the Ahlu’l Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project. A large amount of information is posted by prominent scholars, leaders, etc. Each topic in the spectrum of issues provided is covered from varying viewpoints. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
6. (120) Homepage of the Qur’an and Sunnah Society |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
‘Aqidah, Ibadah, Sunnah, Manhaj, Qur’an, Dawah, Fatawa, Fiqh and Bayan |
|
Comments |
Maintained by the Qur’an and Sunnah Society of North American. Information is largely a series of quotes and verses neither elaborated nor put into context. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
7. (140) Astronomy and Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Links, groups, software, resources |
|
Comments |
A site maintained by a group of fifteen volunteers from around the world. Articles are written in a highly subjective manner, as the title of one, for instance, is “Is Iran a Threat?”, but instead discusses Israel for the majority of the article. Information is tailored to Muslims, and rather user-unfriendly to the novice of Islam. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
8. (160) Islamic Republic Iran Broadcasting |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Newsheadlines |
|
Comments |
Rather little information about Islam itself, i.e. information helpful to others in understanding Islam. Many one-sided articles and views which are at times very radical, especially in reference to the United States and Israel, which may give a bad image of Islam to non-Muslims. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
9. (180) Al-Azhar |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Prominent centre’s website |
|
Comments |
Provides historical as well as current information about the institution: its goals, mission, studies, etc. It does not address Islam itself. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
10. (200) Muslim Directory |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Publishes information regarding Islamic organizations and resources in the UK |
|
Search Engine: Yahoo Pages re-accessed on: 11/13/03 |
|
|
Web site |
1. (20) Understanding Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Questions, discussions, articles, books and translations |
|
Comments |
Created and maintained by a team of five overwhelmingly Pakistani academics. Information is provided according to questions posted by visitors. Although answers are supported by Qur’anic verses and quotes, they are based on the interpretations of these few people. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
2. (40) Talk Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Islamic world, family, country studies, questions and answers |
|
Comments |
An anonymous site that provides links to other web-based resources, book, and references. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
3. (60) BBC Religion and Ethics: Islam UK |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
The essentials, the basics, features |
|
Comments |
A very introductory, clear cut and simple overview of Islam for the beginner which highlights major themes, the five pillars, basic beliefs and customs. There are some misleading sections, however, such as the section on marriage which over-generalizes the marriage practices of Muslims. Saying, for example, ‘most young Muslims lead sheltered lives’ and ‘a Muslim husband has to agree a financial deal with the prospective wife before marriage.’ |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
4. (80) Islam – Academic Info |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Links, Islamic law, women in Islam, Muslims in China, Islam in America, terrorism |
|
Comments |
Maintained by Mike Madin, a retired professor from the University of Washington. A collection of academic sources to turn to for information. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
5. (100) Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Educational information for Christians about Islam |
|
Comments |
A site dedicated to converting Muslims to Christianity for the sake of ‘exposing error and seeking truth’. The author’s overview of Islam, nevertheless, is accurate and supported with references and quotations. Since this site is mainly dedicated to comparing the two religions, it is not the ideal place to find information regarding Islam. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
6. (120) Islamic Links – Sultan |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Correct your information about Islam |
|
Comments |
A resource centre of links to further information grouped by specific topics. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
7. (140) What is Islam? |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
History, status, basic beliefs, practices, Christian perspectives |
|
Comments |
Rick Rood, a PhD in Theology, serves as the main author for this site, which is supported by Probe Ministries, a not-for-profit ministry. It provides an accurate overview of Islam by describing the six basic beliefs and five pillars. It also covers the major points of divergence with Christianity. It does not, however, delve further than this. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
8. (160) Muslims.org |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Information and news network |
|
Comments |
Not able to be accessed on 11/13/03. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
9. (180) Muslim Women in Oman |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Culture of women in Oman |
|
Comments |
A web site created by a Western woman who married an Omani man, moved to the Arab world, and converted to Islam. She offers her own overview of Islam, while simultaneously providing information from various others on the same issues. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
10. (200) Islamic Tradition |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
General resources, links on Mohammed, the Qur’an, Hadith, Shari‘ah, Shiite, Sufis, modern movements |
|
Comments |
A site of Rutgers University’s religion department. A compilation of sites to consult for information regarding Islam in general and specific issues pertaining to Islam. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Search Engine: HotBot Re-accessed on: 11/16/03 |
|
|
Web site |
1. (20) Internet Islamic History Sourcebook |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Guide for research for a complete Islamic history |
|
Comments |
A compilation of resources on ancient, medieval and modern history. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
2. (40) Islam Online |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Multiple language news, information, cultural resources, and analysis |
|
Comments |
A multi-lingual site supported by Afkar, a Gulf based technology company also used by the Qatar Ministry of Interior and Al-Jazira. Provides an interactive range of options covering an abundance of topics within Islam. Openly discusses controversial contemporary topics such as Jihad, Islamic movements, the issue of democracy, etc. There is a big emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation between civilizations. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
3. (60) Converting to Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Resource and comparative guide |
|
Comments |
Not a very good resource for the targeted audience, individuals who are thinking about converting to Islam. Most of the links have been moved or are not functional. The information that is actually provided is shallow and lacking depth and scope. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
4. (80) Intro to Articles and Pillars of Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Overview of Islam |
|
Comments |
A page from the Muslim Student Association of USC. The site includes references for research, information for new-to-Islam individuals, special topics (economics, law, human rights, etc.), glossary and other tools. Many of the information concerning women come from the Islamic Centre of Southern California, the International Islamic Publishing House, and other reputable sources. |
|
Grade |
A |
|
Web site |
5. (100) Intro to Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Explains the central questions in Islam |
|
Comments |
Posted by the Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City. Gives a general introduction to Islam and includes Muslims’ contributions to astronomy, geography, humanity, mathematics and medicine. Provides online resources to an English version of the Qur’an, audio recitation, and a Zakah worksheet. Contains several worksheets which provide perspectives on contemporary issues supported by quotes from the Qur’an. Lacks in variety of sources/viewpoints. |
|
Grade |
B |
|
Web site |
6. (120) Islam Today |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Current issues in Islam |
|
Comments |
A site under the supervision of Sheikh Salman Ibn Fahd of Iraq. The Sheikh, under a section called, ‘weekly articles’, interprets Sunnah and Hadith and relates them to contemporary issues. This site is directed toward Muslims to provide guidance and food for thought as it delves directly into sources of Islamic faith without any explanation. Its major fault lies in the fact that all information is of the opinion of the Sheikh, whose credentials are not enumerated. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
7. (140) Women in Islam – United Submitters International |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Addresses misconceptions about women in Islam |
|
Comments |
Addresses the most common misconceptions about women and Islam including: the veil, wife beating, inheritance, work, polygamy and education. Many misconceptions are corrected with a short explanation, while others have links to further resources or lengthier articles which include the Qur’anic quotes. To the uniformed individual who may hold these misconceptions, however, the arguments are not well documented, argued, or convincing. |
|
Grade |
C |
|
Web site |
8. (160) Islam avoiding inappropriate websites |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
How to avoid inappropriate websites |
|
Comments |
A filtering system which can be downloaded to block inappropriate websites including pornographic sites, offensive chat, gay and lesbian sites, criminal activity and drug and alcohol sites. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
9. (180) Modern Islam |
|
URL |
|
|
Topics |
Afghanistan and Fascism in Palestine |
|
Comments |
Unable to be accessed on 11/16/03. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
|
Web site |
10. (200) Web resources for the study of Islam |
|
URL |
ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~rs143/Resources |
|
Topics |
Links to web sites for research and information |
|
Comments |
A page of resources for the study of Islam; most of the links are not functional, have been moved, or no longer exist. |
|
Grade |
N/A |
Table 2: Summary of Results
|
Search Engine |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
N/A |
|
MSN |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lycos |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Yahoo |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
HotBot |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Total |
7 |
11 |
14 |
2 |
2 |
14 |
The preceding results confirm the reality of Islamic research on the Internet. It can be a double edged sword—i.e. it can be beneficial at times and disadvantageous at others. The top grade given is tied between a ‘C’ and an ‘N/A’ demonstrating that when a novice to Islam searches five engines and 50 sites for information about the topic, with 10 Web sites from each search engine, he/she is most likely to come across either a mediocre site which uses questionable sources and provides limited information (a ‘C’ site) or a site which provides no information at all (a ‘Not Available’ site). When searching for ‘Islam’ in this manner, 28% of the sites will either be of a ‘C’ or ‘N/A’ quality.
The grade with the next largest number awarded is a ‘B’ indicating that a significant number of sites do provide a factual, albeit not ideal, overview of Islam. ‘B’ sites do, however, ensure that an individual is presented with a solid basis from which to work in the quest for information. When using the five specified engines and examining 10 sites from each search, 22% of the sites will be of a ‘B’ quality.
The next grade to follow is ‘A’ with a total of seven ‘A’ graded sites out of 50. This finding implies that 14% of sites are of superior quality in the quantity, delivery, and validity of information regarding Islam.
Also, four sites have been graded a ‘D’ or ‘F’ for their poor and shoddy quality of information and/or manner in which that information is presented. It is important to reiterate, however, that these sites do exist and may stand to slander the name of Islam.
Conclusion
On the whole, the preceding findings serve as a reminder that common sense, critical thinking and analysis are essential to research any topic on the Internet. But this is particularly important with regard to Islam, since it is an often misperceived and complex subject. Since the Internet is here to stay, and many people do use it to find information on Islam, it behoves scholars in the field to use the medium to teach the truth about religion1.
1.This essay benefited greatly from the research assistance of Ms. Lisa Roman.