Designing an Optimal Religious Propagation Model with Emphasis on the Actions of Preachers

Abstract

This study aims to develop an optimal model for religious propagation by examining the actions of successful preachers, specifically Shiite preachers and mosque imams. The research adopts a sociology of religion approach and employs a grounded theory methodology. Interviews were conducted with 44 imams and associates from ten successful mosques in various regions. Through open coding, axial coding, and summarization, the study identified foundational factors, effective factors, obstacles, and outcomes of optimal propagation. The research revealed that “strengthening social bonds,” “efforts to solve people’s problems by involving them,” and “education, growth, and development of people” are three foundational factors. Additionally, “ethical characteristics,” “social characteristics,” and “management skills” were identified as three main categories of effective factors in the optimal propagation model. The obstacles related to “personal characteristics of the imam,” “characteristics of institutions and organizations,” “characteristics of mosque attendees and the imam’s companions,” and “the societal environment” were categorized as four main obstacles to optimal propagation. The study concluded that “strengthening hope and empathy,” “solving problems,” and “individual and social growth” are the three main outcomes of optimal propagation. The results of this study can be beneficial for religious institutions and active preachers in identifying criteria for effective propagation, empowering preachers, and evaluating their performance.