Islam and the Internet: A Systematic Assessment (Part 1/2)

Search Engine: MSN

Web pages re-accessed on: 11/11/03

Web site

1.  (20) Frontline – Muslims

URL

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/muslims

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

www.motherjones.com/photofound/benchallal.html

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

www.answering-islam.org/nol/no12.html

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

www.webzonecom.com/ccn/cults/bmuslims.txt

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article, which is an examination of the black Muslim movement, can be considered politically incorrect as it uses some outdated terms to refer to African-Americans.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

www.world-war-2-holocaust.org/koran.html

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

www.peacecorps.gov/wws/guides/kyrgyzstan/islam.htmlislam1

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

www.al-islam1.org/inquiries/7.html

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

www.answering-islam1.org/silas/wife-beating.htm

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

www.al-islam.org

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

www.islamweb.net

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

www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/

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

www.forislam.org

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

www.iad.org/intro/intro.html

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

www.wsu.edu:3030/~dee/ISLAM/ISLAM.htm

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

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam

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 11^th

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

www.answering-islam.org/Women/inislam.html

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

www.qss.org/articles/status.html

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

http://us.geocities.com/rfaizer/biblio/

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

www.islamway.com

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

www.jannah.org

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

www.islam-usa.com

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

www.iiie.net

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

www.al-islam.org

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

www.qss.org

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

www.ummah.net

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

www.irib.com

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

www.alazhar.org

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

www.muslimdirectory.co.uk

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

www.understanding-islam.com

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

www.talkislam.com

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

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/index.shtml

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

www.academicinfo.net/Islam.html

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

www.carm.org/islam.htm

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

www.sultan.org

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

www.probe.org/docs/islam.html

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

www.muslims.org

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

www.members.tripod.com/oum_abdulaziz/

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

http://religion.rutgers.edu/vri/islam.html

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

www.fordham.edu/halsall/islam/islamsbook.html

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

www.islam-online.net/

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

www.convertstoislam.org/

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

www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/intropillars.html

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

www.isgkc.org/intro_islam.htm

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

www.islamtoday.com

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

www.subission.org/women

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

www.wisechoice.net/stories/islamLha.html

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

www.friesian.com/afghan.htm

Topics

Afghanistanand 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