Analysis of the Role of Religious Assemblies in Sustaining the Identity of the Islamic Revolution: An Examination of Identity Formation Mechanisms and Future Prospects

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Strategic Cultural Management, National Defense University

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Strategic Cultural Management, Faculty of Strategic Management, National Defense University, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD in Cultural Systems Engineering, Imam Hossein (AS) University. Tehran. Iran

4 Associate Professor, Department of Strategic Cultural Management, Faculty of Strategic Management, National Defense University, Tehran, Iran

5 PhD student in Sociology of Iranian Social Issues, Faculty of Humanities and Theology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the mechanisms by which religious institutions construct their identity and to develop a forward-looking model intended to strengthen their role in sustaining the Islamic identity. The primary objective was to identify and analyze key factors and provide potential visions for the structural transformation of religious institutions within the framework of the Islamic Revolution. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study initially adopted a grounded theory perspective by conducting in-depth interviews with 30 directors of religious institutions, and subsequently developed likely future scenarios through a Delphi survey involving 20 experts. The research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires, narrative reports, and sustainability indices. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods, with the support of relevant statistical software. The findings indicate the existence of pivotal mechanisms in the identity-building process, which include: (1) semantic role-modeling (transforming Ashura into a lifestyle), (2) religious societal acceptance (ritual participation), and (3) the accumulation of symbolic capital (martyrs, flags); Furthermore, four future scenarios were proposed in order of likelihood: Civilization Builder (35%), Bureaucratic (30%), Organic Resistance (25%), and Complete Isolation (10%). In addition, an optimal strategy was recommended in the form of a triangular networking approach - integrating institutions, domain, and university- complemented by an institutional economy (digital pause). In conclusion, the research demonstrates that the sustainability of the Islamic Revolution’s identity necessitates the transformation of religious institutions into “civilization-building platforms” centered on digital innovation and the management of the paradox of institutional support.

Keywords

References

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Futures Studies Of The Islamic Revolution
Volume 6, Issue 4
January 2026
Pages 107-124

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 November 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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