Strategic Studies of Culture

Strategic Studies of Culture

Investigating the influential factors in the maximum attraction of young women and girls in active mosques in Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
محمد حسین شاه آبادی 1
Zahra Shahbazi 2
1 Ph.D. student of Culture and Communication, Bagheral Uloom University (AS), Researcher at Shahid Sadr Research Institute
2 Master’s student of cultural and media studies, Imam Hossein University.
10.22083/scsj.2025.474247.1201
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introducion: Since the establishment of the Islamic government, women have constituted half of society and have played significant roles in the continuity of Islam. Figures such as Hazrat Khadija and Hazrat Zahra (peace be upon them) have served as exemplary Muslim women, contributing to the growth and elevation of Islam. Women have always held a special place in public and religious participation, and their presence in mosques, as important centers of religious, social, and cultural activities, has been evident since ancient times. Women’s religious participation includes attending congregational prayers, religious gatherings, charity activities, and studying religious texts. Today, examining the factors that attract women and girls to mosques, especially in active mosques in Tehran in the year 1402 (2023), is of great importance. This research seeks to identify these factors and also explore the extent of women’s and girls’ presence and the programs specifically designed for them in Tehran’s mosques.
Methods: This research is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative thematic analysis in terms of methodology, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 members of the statistical population, specifically female unit officials or commanders of active Basij mosques in Tehran. Sampling was purposeful and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, meaning interviews were conducted until repetitive findings emerged. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis, particularly the thematic network approach, where basic themes were extracted from the text, categorized, and transformed into organizing and global themes to create network maps. This method serves as an analytical tool for interpreting the text and presenting the results in a clear and comprehensible manner.
Results: This study was designed to investigate the presence, participation, and activities of women in active mosques in Tehran and to identify the factors that attract young women and girls to these mosques. The data revealed that women’s activities in mosques can be categorized into three broad areas: cultural, social, and political, including activities such as Quranic classes, counseling programs, and ideological sessions. The results emphasized that these activities not only align with the sacred environment of mosques but also adhere to religious recommendations, contributing to the spiritual and social growth of women. The study highlighted the importance of women as social activists and nurturers of a devout generation, presenting mosques as suitable spaces for attracting and engaging young women and girls. It is hoped that this research, by providing a scientific understanding of women’s participation, will offer strategies to enhance their presence in mosques and cultural activities.
Discussion: According to the research findings, women, young girls, and female teenagers participate in a variety of activities at mosques, including Quranic classes, educational and academic enhancement workshops, art training, circles of knowledge and religious rulings, religious gatherings, joint mother-daughter programs, parenting skills workshops, sports classes, and recreational and pilgrimage trips. Some mosques collaborate with external organizations and utilize their facilities to host diverse educational programs. The engagement of women in mosques is facilitated through effective communication by mosque officials, attention to hygiene and well-maintained spaces, and active online presence. Active mosques create an attractive and participatory environment, particularly by assigning responsibilities to young people and teenagers, successfully attracting them to mosque activities.
Keywords
Thematic analysis
young girls
women
attraction elements
mosque
participation
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Strategic Studies of Culture
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 18
Summer 2025
Pages 181-205