I read with interest the report “Grand Mosque imam: Promote values through new media” (Feb. 21). This is a very important message disseminated through the pulpit and perhaps it is best way to use this holy position for the welfare of the mankind in general and Muslims in particular. With the advent of the new media, it has become all the more easier for peace-loving people to promote their ideas in the world, which has become a cauldron of chaos mainly because of the misplaced priorities of the world leaders.

We, Muslims, often criticize the western media for its biased stance toward Muslims and Islam. The question is: What as Muslims are we doing to defend our faith from the western media onslaught and from the propaganda unleashed on the world by terrorists?

We cannot put the entire blame on the West. It is the wrongdoings of the terrorist groups and other radical elements, which is bringing a bad name to Islam and Muslims. We should understand that not all westerners are fully aware of the true teachings of Islam. With few exceptions, the views of most westerners are based on the actions of groups like Al-Qaeda, the so-called Islamic State and the Boko Haram etc. It is the duty of every Muslim to distance him/herself from the deviant ideology of these groups and to leave no stone unturned to tell the world the truth about Islam. We should tell the world that Muslims don’t endorse the actions of these terrorist groups. And those who people who do support such dastardly actions have very limited knowledge of Islam. In this regard, the cleric’s advice to use social media to promote peace is very valuable and timely.