Strategic Studies of Culture

Strategic Studies of Culture

The optimal model of intercultural communication in the situation of intercultural conflict (Analysis of the Content of the Quranic Story of Solomon (PBUH) and the Queen of Sheba)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
karim khanmohammadi 1
muhammad rezabaygi 2
1 Professor of Culture and Communications, Department of Cultural Studies and Communications, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran(Corresponding Author)
2 PhD in Culture and Communications, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran
10.22083/scsj.2025.521214.1281
Abstract
In the contemporary world, where societies are increasingly interconnected, intercultural communication plays a fundamental role in interpersonal, organizational, and international interactions. This form of communication is shaped by cultural differences, and when two cultures with distinct backgrounds and values come into contact, cultural conflicts may arise. In some cases, such interactions can proceed smoothly with minimal challenges; however, in many situations, disparities in beliefs, values, and behaviors among parties complicate communication and transform it into cultural conflict. Such circumstances require the application of effective communication strategies and conflict management in order to achieve mutual understanding or cultural transformation.
A prominent example of cultural conflict management can be found in the Quranic narrative of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and the Queen of Sheba. This account depicts the encounter of two entirely different value and cultural systems, wherein Prophet Solomon (PBUH) faces a queen who holds differing beliefs not only religiously but also socially and politically.
The author aims to examine the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and the Queen of Sheba in order to present a model of intercultural communication under conditions of intercultural conflict. The main questions addressed in this research are: How was conflict management carried out in this narrative? What interactional strategies were employed to resolve the conflict? And what are the stages of the cultural transformation process within this interaction? Investigating this topic not only contributes to a deeper understanding of Quranic concepts but can also serve as a strategic model for managing intercultural conflicts in contemporary societies.
The research method is qualitative, and data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The primary objective of this method is to identify and analyze patterns of meaning (themes) within a textual or verbal dataset. In this study, the initial data were collected from verses 20 to 43 of Surah An-Naml and the exegeses related to the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and the Queen of Sheba, following Clarke’s six-phase process.
Analysis of the Quranic story of Prophet Solomon and the Queen of Sheba demonstrates that this narrative presents a comprehensive model of Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) across three principal axes: intercultural conflict management, intercultural communication strategies, and the process of cultural transformation.
In the dimension of intercultural conflict management, the precise identification of the sources of conflict across three domains-the governance system, the belief system, and the components of power-highlights the importance of the cognitive dimension of intercultural competence. The inclination toward constructive dialogue and creative conflict resolution through intelligent diplomacy, rather than resorting to violence, is another prominent feature of this model.
The intercultural communication strategies in this narrative encompass four main approaches: intelligent observation of the counterpart, formal diplomatic communication, coercive diplomacy, and scientific and technological diplomacy. Intelligent observation reflects flexibility and openness; formal diplomatic communication represents the management of intercultural relations; coercive diplomacy embodies intercultural stability; and scientific and technological diplomacy demonstrates cultural sensitivity. The communication strategies employed in this story correspond to the nine key constructs of intercultural competence.
The process of cultural transformation in this model consists of four stages: encountering a new situation, consultation and reflection, evaluation of the situation, and confrontation and attitudinal transformation. This process is a tangible embodiment of the tripartite dimensions of intercultural competence (cognitive, affective, and behavioral). Encountering a new situation along with consultation and reflection manifests the cognitive dimension. Evaluating the situation signifies the affective dimension, and attitudinal transformation represents the behavioral dimension. This process illustrates that cultural change is gradual and founded upon cognition and acceptance.
The most significant finding of this research is the presentation of an integrated model of intercultural communication in conflict situations (Figure 1), which can also be applied in managing contemporary cultural conflicts. This model, derived from the Quranic story of Prophet Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, demonstrates that successful management of intercultural conflicts requires an accurate understanding of the sources of conflict, the combined application of intelligent communication strategies (ranging from observation to various forms of diplomacy), and an appreciation of the step-by-step process of cultural transformation. The model emphasizes the importance of dialogue, flexibility, and the utilization of power (soft and hard) alongside deep cultural understanding, and it can serve as a practical framework for managing intercultural conflicts in today’s world.
Keywords
Intercultural communication
intercultural conflict
conflict management
Solomon (PBUH)
the Queen of Sheba
the Holy Quran
Subjects
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Strategic Studies of Culture
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 21
Spring 2026
Pages 297-328