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The Message International,
a premier Muslim magazine based in New York City, New
York, is a publication of Islamic circle of North
America (ICNA) . It is published bi-monthly and
available, mainly, through subscription. Alhamdulillah, The
Message has maintained uninterrupted publication
since it started in July 1989.
While
the magazine’s target audience is primarily Muslim,
its contents are designed to appeal to people with
diverse interests, irrespective of their religious
denomination and / or personal convictions. The
Message magazine
is considered to be an effective tool from which both
Muslims and non-Muslims can learn about Islam, Muslim
community affairs in North America, and Muslim concerns
and perceptions regarding national and international
issues.
The Message
has developed a pool of writers who are unique in many
ways. Some are very distinguished scholars and community
leaders; others are relatively younger, but equally
promising and resourceful. They speak of guidance and
salvation, and, at the same time, they propagate
tolerance, mutual understanding, fraternity, peace and
Justice for all in the society.
Typically,
each issue of the magazine includes six to seven
articles related to the cover story. The cover stories
are chosen based on the pressing needs and burning
issues of the time. Other regular features include
editorials, letters, opinions, interviews, Dawah,
family forums, book reviews, and daily lives of Muslims
and, of course, youth related issues. Additionally,
national and overseas news are reported. The magazine
advertises Islamic products, books, audio/videos,
charities, et cetera, but The Message International does not publish advertisements that are
vulgar, against basic Islamic norms and / or lacking in
credibility.
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The Message
staff is quite aware of the difference between this
magazine and other publications. Our main goal was to
create a Time
or Newsweek for the Muslim community of North
America. Therefore, we are cautious in making sure it
does not become the mouthpiece of ICNA. Instead, we want
to reflect Muslims as a whole. That’s why a title make
‘ICNA Bulletin’ or ‘ICNA Message’ was not
sufficient. “The
Message” was chosen as the title for the magazine
because Muslims believe in a divine and integrated
message, a message for all humanity, without distinction
based on race, geography or class.
All
in all, The Message International is a publication that sets out to be
distinctive. The magazine continues to struggle to
become a quality, professional magazine for both Muslims
and non-Muslims in North America. It appeals to Muslims
by refreshing their knowledge of Islam, and, frequently,
forcing them to look at different views on the same
topic. At the same time, it attracts non-Muslims by
teaching them about the Islamic faith in lucid and
relatable terms, by telling the “other” side of the
story, a “side” that chronicles the beauty of Islam
and engages the intellectual mind. The magazine has
maintained, with integrity, its commitment towards these
objectives, and we are determined to continue to move in
the same direction in future, insha’ Allah.
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