The inaugural Global Muslim Content Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 12-13, 2025, united digital media creators from approximately 40 nations. The event focused on empowering attendees to reclaim Muslim narratives, tackle negative stereotypes, and produce authentic content rooted in Islamic values.
Moulana Suhail Wadee, executive director of the humanitarian organisation Ashraful Aid and an attendee, described the summit as an “amazing experience.” He highlighted the power of individual content creators in reshaping public discourse, a significant shift from the dominance of legacy media.
“For the first time… it’s individual content creators that are actually starting to shift public opinion,” Wadee stated in an interview with Salaamedia. He pointed to the example of creators in Gaza, who he said are “shifting the narrative globally” on the Palestinian issue, demonstrating a decentralisation of influence.
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Collaboration and Growth
A key theme of the summit was the necessity of collaboration and strategic growth. Discussions revolved around practical strategies for monetising content, scaling brands, and “hacking growth.” Wadee noted the remarkable “willingness to share and to collaborate” among presenters, which fostered a supportive environment for creators seeking to expand their reach and impact. This collaborative spirit is crucial for the Global Muslim Content Summit’s goal of building a unified front.
The event also underscored the vast, untapped potential within the global Muslim market. While the summit was conducted in English, Wadee pointed out that the English-speaking market represents only a small fraction of the world’s two billion Muslims. “The market is still very, very huge,” he said, citing Turkish media houses that produce content in multiple languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and Chinese, as examples of the opportunities available.
The overarching message, according to Wadee, was the importance of intention (niyyah) and authenticity. The goal is not just to create content, but to do so for “the pleasure of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala” and to ensure “the message of Islam… permeate[s] society.” This involves adhering to Islamic principles and ensuring that “the values of Islam are not compromised” in the pursuit of growth and engagement. The Global Muslim Content Summit emphasised that authenticity is paramount.
South Africa had a notable presence at the event, with a “substantial amount of South African delegates,” according to Wadee. Several prominent presenters, including Yusuf Omar and Naima B. Roberts, have South African roots. However, Wadee observed a lack of representation from South African Muslim media houses, suggesting a missed opportunity for the local industry. The primary objective of the Global Muslim Content Summit was to provide a platform for such collaboration and learning.
Image credit: Zeda Magazine
