A student publication is creating its own space in journalism
IQRA Magazine (external link) was created in 2017 and revamped in 2020. It is a student-run publication at Toronto Metropolitan University. Founded by members of the Muslim Students’ Association, it was designed to share the lived experiences of Muslims in Canada. Its recent print issue was supported and funded by the Society of The Creative School.
Writers dive into these experiences while covering topics such as mental health, misrepresentation in media, and a sense of belonging in their bi-annual issues.
Co-managing editor and third-year journalism student, Aishah Ashraf, says, “Iqra means ‘read’ in Arabic, and it’s really significant in Islam because it was the first word that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by God, and it kind of signifies the importance of studying, learning, gaining knowledge and education.”
On April 18, IQRA released their fourth issue (external link) on misrepresentation. Editor-in-chief and third-year journalism student Sania Ali shared what IQRA wanted to explore with this issue.
“There’s so much misrepresentation towards Muslims in the media, as well as film. Time and time again, Muslims are portrayed in a negative light, whether it’s as terrorists, as stereotypical violent people, things like that, that I feel is very eye-opening, especially when you’re studying journalism,” Ali said. “It all plays a part in the way Muslims are portrayed in everyday life.”
Ali contributed an article to the magazine on Muslims in film speaking with filmmakers and directors. “A lot of people feel like Muslims are not represented in TV shows and film accurately, which I do agree with. A lot of the time, the religion comes off as oppressive in the media.”
IQRA uses its platform to improve and step away from stereotypes with articles such as Ali’s.
With in-person opportunities returning on campus, the IQRA team handed out their first print issue (external link) of the magazine on May 31 in the Rogers Communication Centre.
Ashraf commented on the experience and said, “As a growing journalist that was super exciting and handing it to people, seeing the different people that walk through those doors, people that reached out for it, it wasn’t just Muslims, it’s people of different backgrounds, different creeds and different cultures. So that’s important, the fact we can make a difference and kind of share it with these different people and who can learn more about us.”
The magazine has become a growth and learning experience for the team as well, outside of its audience.
“It was great to see that Muslims do come in different shapes, sizes and colours. So, people of different intersectionalities coming to share this common message and having this common goal of kind of normalizing who Muslims are and what we do, it’s just been such an honour,” said Ashraf.
IQRA has become a big part of Ali’s identity as a Muslim writer. “I like writing articles about my culture, I like writing articles about my religion because it makes me look deeper inside than I usually do because I need to put this stuff in words. And I encourage everyone to involve your identity.”
“Don't shy away from who you are, don't shy away from your identity, bring your identity to your work. Being in a creative outlet doesn't mean that you have to blend in with everyone else. It's so much more important to kind of let your identity be as prevalent as it is. And in the future. I hope that newsrooms and other publications are just as diverse as all of us are.”
IQRA hopes to branch out into different mediums in the future and share its message outside the written word.