Months after escaping death in ghastly motor accident, journalist, Rasheed Abubakar finally launched his book, "Muslims and the Threat of the Media". The author, who had an accident at Ojota area of Lagos and had a fractured leg on February 4, writes for a soft sell magazine, Encomium.

Abubakar who could only walk through the aid of clutches and human support described as uneasy and painful the experience he was going through. According to him, the passion and zeal to meet up with the already chosen date made him put extra efforts to getting the book launched.

He said, "It has not been easy because of the pains of not being able to move freely, even within the house, let alone going out. I need someone to support me to even get close to my mini-library where I needed to consult materials to read; and at times, it's very discouraging. I just pray to Allah that this cup should pass over me.

"I insisted on launching the book because I am passionate about writing and determined to meet my deadline, which is what journalism is all about. I started writing the book before my accident, I already had a publication date, which was May 3rd. So, when the accident occured, despite my challenges, I did a lot works on the manuscript from home; and with the support of Allah and good people around me, the book was ready for launch on May 3, the world press freedom day."

He explained that the book was to tell the world about Islam being a peace loving religion that deserved balanced reportage.

He added, "The West should stop spoon-feeding people particularly journalists to write denigrating stories about Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Muslims in the name of freedom of speech.

"If you write hate speech about a certain religious belief, you should know that adherents of that religion will not take it lightly with you. Yet, Islam wants moderation in everything we do."

Abubakar insisted that his challenges won't make him to quit journalism at early age, adding that they would rather serve as encouragement for him.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the occasion, Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Mallam Abdullah Shuaib, urged media practitioners to avoid sensationalism when reporting Islamic issues.

He said, "When someone commits an offence and he happens to have the name 'Abdullah', the headlines become sensational condemning Islam and Muslims. If on the other hand, the perpetrator is Solomon or Joseph, the media reports attribute it to the individual without including the religion."

On his part, the book reviewer, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji added, "The beauty of the book lies in the fact that unlike in other works of similar hues, the writer does not only identify the problems or lament the situation, he also provides a road map through which Muslims can liberate themselves from the oppressive claws of the media hawks."

Guests at the occasion included Managing Editor, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Yusuf Zambo; Chairman, Management board, Vanguards Academy, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi; Grand Mufti, The Muslim Congress (TMC), Shaykh Dhikrullah Shafii; and Amir Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Alhaji Kamil Kalejaiye.