Abbreviated religious affiliations which convey some dramatic connotation are usually misleading. Consider the relevance to the story of a person's religious beliefs or cultural practices. If you include a reference to a person or a group's religious affiliations, explain why you are doing so and ensure that a religious label is not being affixed to political, cultural or social practices. If you are unfamiliar with Islam or with Islamic studies, consult someone who is. They will be able to help to distinguish between culture and politics from religion in the context of Muslim societies.
Women wearing headscarves make a supposedly dramatic statement.
There are many different sects and interpretations of Islam. For some, their religion is a personal search within the context of their interpretation of their faith. Sometimes in covering issues affecting Muslims and countries with large Muslim populations, journalists, through oversimplification and shallow reporting, confuse the real story with what they perceive to be the story. Both are volunteers with the Ismaili Council for Canada, an organization responsible for the social governance of the Ismaili Muslim Community in Canada. Back to Table of Contents For more information, contact us .