Muslim Mirror Explained

Muslim Mirror
Motto:Journalism of truth
Type:Online newspaper
Owner:Minorities Media Foundation
Founder:Syed Zubair Ahmad
Chiefeditor:Syed Zubair Ahmad
Foundation:2012
Language:English

Muslim Mirror is an independent and non-profit news website founded by Syed Zubair Ahmad in 2012.[1] It is owned and published by the Minorities Media Foundation. The platform works to counter stereotypes about Muslims in India, tracking cases of violence against the Muslim community.[2] It aims to offer a balanced perspective on issues affecting Muslims and disadvantaged groups, challenging mainstream media narratives. It is known for spotlighting flaws in police theories, debunking misrepresentations, and addressing concerns related to Islamophobia and false terror charges against Muslim individuals.

Background

Syed Zubair Ahmad, an MBA graduate from Patna University, transitioned from his role at Two Circles to become the founding editor of Muslim Mirror in 2012.[3] He initiated the website in response to the media's tendency to stereotype terror accused individuals as devout Muslims, often emphasizing their bearded appearance, skullcap, or headscarf. The website has key patrons such as Sajjad Nomani, Prem Shankar Jha and Khaled Al Maeena. Additionally, the advisory board features Ram Puniyani, Om Thanvi and B. G. Kolse Patil. Serving as the legal adviser is Khalid Akhtar from the Supreme Court of India.[4]

Editorial approach

The publication has declared an editorial stance free of favoritism towards any group, community, caste, or creed.

Reputation

The Times has recognized it as an independent media organization. In 2018, Hindustan Times positioned Muslim Mirror as part of the growing alternative media platforms challenging stereotypes about Muslims perpetuated by the mainstream media. The Times of India, in 2017, highlighted the platform's impactful journalism by reporting stories later picked up by mainstream newspapers and TV channels.[5] The Indian Express labeled Muslim Mirror as a successful website. Outlook underscored the platform's origin in response to false terror charges against Muslim youth.[6] The Hindu praised Muslim Mirror for exposing mischievous substitutions by the Special Cell.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Raza . Danish . 26 May 2018 . How Muslim voices are breaking stereotypes online . . 18 December 2023 . 5 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220805235637/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-muslim-voices-are-breaking-stereotypes-online/story-53VW85LMW7jFuytPDHyxhP.html . live .
  2. Zaffar . Hanan . 20 December 2022 . Hindutva Pop: the Soundtrack to India's Anti-Muslim Movement . . 18 December 2023 . 4 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004120312/https://time.com/6242156/hindutva-pop-music-anti-muslim-violence-india/ . live .
  3. News: Shaikh . Zeeshan . 14 May 2016 . On Their Watch . . 18 December 2023 . 25 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625201002/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/muslim-websites-media-minority-on-their-watch-2801040/ . live .
  4. Web site: About us . 2023-12-18 . Muslim Mirror . en-US . 16 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231216032355/https://muslimmirror.com/eng/about/ . live .
  5. News: Dhawan . Himanshi . 20 August 2017 . They're demolishing Muslim stereotypes, a tweet at a time . . 18 December 2023 . 19 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211219080949/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/theyre-demolishing-muslim-stereotypes-a-tweet-at-a-time/articleshow/60136223.cms . live .
  6. News: Agha . Eram . 27 May 2022 . Dial M For Media: The New Muslim Voice . . 18 December 2023 . 6 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231206123249/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/national/dial-m-for-media-the-new-muslim-voice-magazine-186325 . live .
  7. News: Punwani . Jyoti . 11 April 2013 . Profiles of prejudice . . 18 December 2023 . 31 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231031223030/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Profiles-of-prejudice/article12191950.ece . live .