By Ibrahim Muhammed
National Coordinator
Independent Hajj Reporters
Hajj Media ecosystem is being expanded beyond the traditional trained Journalists to the social media space, with dangers of entailing the concept ‘where everything that comes must go. The fluid of media reportage lies in its accuracy and ethical balance, and also its ability to play its constitutionally guaranteed oversight functions.
The cornerstone of Hajj reportage as I knows it is anchored on enlightening pilgrims which requires that the reporters themselves understand the applicable meaning of each term used during hajj, The ability to draws the attention of administrators, service providers to challenges faced by pilgrims in order to finds an on-spot solution should not be sacrificed for the clientelistic considerations.
However, such a report must contextualise the public interests, especially the cross-border audience. Media reporting on Hajj activities requires sensitivity and accuracy, considering the significance of this pilgrimage to Muslims worldwide. Based on my experience, the following guidelines can improve the standard of Hajj coverage
Pre-Hajj Coverage
– Background Information: Provide context about Hajj, its significance, and rituals to help non-Muslim readers understand its importance.
– Pilgrim Experiences: Share stories of pilgrims, highlighting their preparations, expectations, and spiritual significance of the journey.
– Information dissemination: Provide essential information to pilgrims about Hajj rituals, schedules, and guidelines, helping them prepare and navigate the journey.
– Real-time updates: Offer real-time updates on crowd management, weather conditions, and other important announcements, enabling pilgrims to plan accordingly.
– Awareness campaigns: Raise awareness about important issues, such as health and safety precautions, lost and found services, and emergency contact numbers.
– Communication facilitation: Media helps facilitate communication between pilgrims, authorities, and service providers, ensuring that needs are met and issues are addressed promptly.
During Hajj Coverage
– Rituals and Events: Report on key events and rituals, such as Tawaf, Sa’i, and the stoning of the devil, explaining their significance and historical context.
– Crowd Management: Highlight the challenges of managing large crowds and the measures taken by Saudi authorities to ensure pilgrims’ safety.
– Pilgrim Safety: Report on any incidents or challenges faced by pilgrims while being sensitive to the emotional and physical demands of the pilgrimage.
Post-Hajj Coverage
– Reflections and Insights: Share reflections from pilgrims, highlighting their experiences, spiritual growth, and lessons learned.
– Humanitarian Efforts: Report on any humanitarian efforts or charitable initiatives undertaken during or after Hajj.
Best Practices
– Respectful Language: Use respectful language when referring to Islamic rituals, practices, and figures.
– Accurate Representation: Ensure accurate representation of Hajj rituals and practices, avoiding stereotypes or misconceptions.
– Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and nuances, avoiding sensationalism or biased reporting.
While the above pathway may not be exhaustive, it is my opinion that this can reshape the current information overload within the Hajj reportage.
