Quranic Studies and Islamic Culture

Social Analysis of the Dramatic Personality of Hypocrites in the Holy Quran (Based on Erving Goffman’s Impression Management Theory)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Faroogh Nnemati 1
Shahla Shakibaeefar 2

1 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/isqs.2026.54723.2504
Abstract
The phenomenon of “hypocrisy” (nifāq) in the Holy Quran, beyond being a purely theological stance, encompasses complex behavioral patterns and organized social actions that threaten the integrity of the Islamic community. This study aims to analyze the sociological functions of the hypocrites’ behavior by examining their “dramatic personality” through the lens of Erving Goffman’s “Impression Management” theory. The core issue of this research is how hypocrites utilize symbolic tools to maintain a balance between their “professed faith” and their “concealed disbelief.” The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, based on the extraction and thematic categorization of key Quranic verses. Within this framework, the actions of hypocrites are examined in two distinct spheres: the “front stage” (the hypocrites’ verbal and behavioral displays within the community of believers to gain legitimacy) and the “back stage” (their private conspiracies, ridicule, and secret gatherings with their associates). The findings indicate that hypocrites employ sophisticated impression management strategies to maintain a social facade and artificial conformity with the Islamic community. However, due to the structural contradiction between their “performed role” (outward faith) and their “internal reality” (hypocrisy), they suffer from “role distance” during critical junctures and divine disclosures, which

Keywords

Holy Quran
Hypocrites (Munafiqin)
Dramatic Personality
Impression Management
Erving Goffman
Sociology of Hypocrisy
Social Role-Playing
Subjects
Quranic Studies and Islamic Culture

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 October 2026

  • Receive Date 31 May 2026
  • Revise Date 21 September 2026
  • Accept Date 21 October 2026

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