- Thesis Title: The Mosque and Group Communication with Teenagers: Case Study: Four Successful Mosques in Tehran
- Student Name: Mohammad Hossein Lotfalizadeh
- Supervisor: Dr. Nasser Bahonar
- Advisor: Dr. Hesamoddin Ashena
- Referee: Dr. Mahmoud Golzari
- University: Imam Sadiq (Peace Be Upon Him)
- Major: Islamic Teachings, Culture, and Communication
- Defense Date: September 2014
Abstract:
Throughout their history, mosques have been bases for the propagation of religion and the place of worshipers, and one of their main roles is to propagate the religion of Islam and nurture Muslim humans who believe in Islamic jurisprudence. Adolescence is one of the most important periods of human life, which itself is considered one of the educational and training periods and holds a special place in shaping personality and the framework of individual characteristics.
Among the most effective types of communication among teenagers is group communication, in which teenagers communicate with a number of their peers under the leadership of a mentor. Through this communication, they learn the skills necessary for religious and social life, fulfill their basic needs during adolescence through mosque groups, and pass a stage of the socialization process in the mosque. One of the factors that can strengthen and consolidate teenagers’ communication with mosques and pave the way for their proper upbringing is group communication of teenagers in the mosque.
In this research, using a qualitative research method, the researcher first examined the concepts and theories of group dynamics and group communication, and then, using Islamic sources, Islam’s views on teenagers, the mosque, groups, and group dynamics were investigated.
Afterwards, 4 mosques in the city of Tehran that have managed to be successful in group communication with teenagers were identified as samples, and the methods of attracting teenagers to the mosque, the way of forming groups, and establishing group communication with them were inquired from prayer leaders, boards of trustees, and officials of existing organizations in the mosques. Finally, based on the existing theoretical foundations and field study, policy recommendations regarding group communication with teenagers in the mosque were presented.
