Podcasting represents a new information structure, a new way of making information about Islam available, and a new way of accessing and sharing information from across the Muslim world. They are democratizing tools, in that, they are available to almost anyone who has access to the Internet, and with minimal technical skills.
A podcast is basically an “audio blog.” Internet-based audio has been around since the early 1990s when they were known as “Internet radio” or “Web radio.”
Podcasts are essentially free and available to anyone who has a computer with an Internet connection, though podcasting does require some additional technical skills. The topics covered in podcast are diverse.
Some traditional news and talk radio programs have also been re-broadcast on the Internet for many years. While there is much overlap between “Web radio” and “podcasting,” the main difference is that a listener can subscribe to a podcast, using some type of “pod-catching” software. The pod-catcher will periodically download each new audio file that is posted to a podcast website and place it on a computer or MP3 player to be listened to at a convenient time.
The technology that enabled these audio subscription services was the 2.0 version of “RSS” (Really Simple Syndication). RSS 2.0 was introduced in mid-2003, and was not widely available until 2004, which was when the term “podcast” evolved. The name “podcast” evolved from the Apple iPod digital music player (first released in October 2001; Microsoft prefers to use the term “blog-casting,” though that has not caught on, as yet.). The introduction of podcasting considerably expanded Web radio’s audience at the end of 2004 and early 2005. Many of the more popular podcasts today were started at this time.
There are currently an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 podcasts in the world. Podcasting is sometimes referred to as “narrowcasting,” which differentiates from broadcasting.
Some examples of Islam related podcasts include:
http://www.islamicpodcast.com/
Discover Islam Podcast provides convenient media for the everyday, “on the go” individual in a mp3-driven society. Currently, it content consists of a limited selection of Quran in the native Arabic accompanied with a verse-by-verse English translation, as well as lectures and videos of prominent Islamic scholars on commonly misunderstood topics. Discover Islam Podcast is dedicated to make knowledge available for those who seek it.
http://www.meccaone.org/
Mecca One is a forum built by Muslim Americans to foster dialogue and understanding between all walks of life though broadcast media. Mecca One Radio has been broadcasting since May 2002. They also broadcast live, world-wide over the internet and operate the Mecca One Radio Podcast via RSS feed and iTunes. Past guests on Mecca One include Robert Fisk, Imam Suhaib Webb, Zakir Naik, Imam Zaid Shakir, Yusuf Estes, Imran Khan, Dr. Tariq Suwaidan, Maha ElGenaidi, Azhar Usman, Peter Sanders, Ameena Jandali, Dr. Hatem Bazian, Bilal Phillips, and many others.
Mecca One records and archives the scholars and teachers who bring clarity to the sometimes difficult and controversial events taking place around the Muslim world and the West. They then make the time sensitive content available for free through articles, audio/video downloads through the internet.
http://watchislam.com/pod/
Yusuf Estes and others, share simple basics of Islam in video podcasts.
http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/pi
For nearly four years, alt.muslim has provided a comprehensive look at issues throughout the Muslim world. You can hear commentary straight from writers in alt.muslim review, a regular downloadable audio program available as a podcast through Apple’s iTunes or right here through an RSS feed or downloadable MP3 file. Each show reviews the most interesting recent cultural, political, and religious events in a balanced way.
There are many podcast directories
http://PodcastAlley.com/
http://Podcasts.Yahoo.com also allows subscribing and listening to podcasts
http://Odeo.com also allows subscribing and listening to podcasts
http://www.Podcastdirectory.com/map/ shows the location of podcasts on a Google
So podcasting is the new age of spreading correct and untainted version of Islam around the globe. It is high time Muslim communities gets mobilised and use the medium to spread true and fair information about Islam.
