ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the philosophical roots of ethics in the Islamic tradition. It attempts to discuss the Islamic worldview of what values should characterize journalism work. These summarized in few principles such as honesty, truth-telling, efficiency, free will, integrity and positive neutrality. They also include non-targeting of individuals, protecting privacy, public order, support of freedom and human rights, rigour in confronting foreign occupation and internal tyranny/corruption. The functional Islamic view represents a significant framework, argues Khadmi, for guiding media performance with its ethics and values, in Islamic society and others, with approaches and requirements. He suggests that this vision has three levels. Firstly, the philosophical vision which is concerned with the belief system and aims of human existence. This is based on the raison d’être of the human existence on earth, upholding one’s faith, the protection of human being, and protection of dignity. Hence, media ethics should reflect awareness and protection of these universal values. Secondly, the Islamic jurisprudence vision which is concerned with the science of Sharia. Thirdly, the operational Islamic vision, which is concerned with summoning the practical side of the Islamic philosophical of media ethics, in terms of institutional and procedural work, taking into account diversity in contexts.
