ABSTRACT

In an attempt to validate the importance of universal communication ethics for democracy anywhere, especially in the Middle East, this chapter focuses on answering the question: Are there universalizable Islamic ethics that are applicable to communication theory? Yes, there are, this essay contends. However, it goes on to establish that Islam as understood by many Muslims today needs a major reformation or else it will continue to be a destructive force. The chapter further discusses Islam as two distinct levels: one that suited the times of Prophet Mohamed and another that suits our time. It then relates this premise to global communication ethics as understood and practiced today.