Quarterly Scientific Journal of Audio-Visual Media

Quarterly Scientific Journal of Audio-Visual Media

Explaining the Institutionalization Model of Religious Rituals in National Media Based on the Dialectic of Happiness and Grief from the Perspective of Verses, Hadiths, and Narrations

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies and General Education Courses, IRIB University, Tehran, Iran .(Corresponding Author)
10.22085/javm.2026.549646.2398
Abstract
In the contemporary era, media serves as the primary agent of religious socialization, playing a pivotal role in establishing rituals. However, challenges such as formalism and false polarization between happiness and grief have jeopardized its civilizational function. The main question of this research is: What is the optimal model for institutionalizing rituals in the media based on the dialectic of happiness and grief in Islamic teachings? The research method is descriptive-analytical, utilizing "Thematic Analysis," with data extracted from a deep investigation of the Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, and mystical texts. The theoretical framework relies on the integration of three approaches: philosophical foundations (happiness and grief as psychological qualities), the mystical theory of "paradoxical unity" (grief of love as a prelude to the joy of union), and the normative approach of "Quranic moderation." Findings indicate that in divine logic, grief and happiness are not mutually exclusive contradictions; rather, spiritual grief is the breeding ground for inner vitality. Accordingly, the conceptual model of the research was designed based on four pillars: "Promoters of Constructive Happiness" (such as heartfelt assurance), "Promoters of Constructive Grief" (such as the pain of longing and responsibility), "Reducers of Morbid Happiness" (such as neglectful joy), and "Reducers of Morbid Grief" (such as despair). Results suggest that for the national media to transition from mere "mirror-holding" to the status of "civilization-building media," a strategic revision is required at three levels: macro-policy-making, content production (reforming visual language and metaphors), and audience management.
Keywords