Religion & Communication

Analysis of the Narrative of the Muawiya Series Based on Gérard Genette’s Framework

Document Type : Scientific-Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Communication, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

2 Department of Arabic Language, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Historical series, as an influential medium in recreating the past, play a pivotal role in shaping the public perception of history and cultural identity. The series "Muawiyah", broadcast in Ramadan 1404 (March 2025) on MBC, focuses on the life of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the Umayyad Caliph and a controversial figure in Islamic history, presenting a different representation of him that contradicts traditional narratives. Using Gerard Genette’s narratological framework, this study analyzes the narrative structure of this series to reveal how narrative techniques have been used to reconstruct the image of Muawiyah and the events of early Islam. The findings of the study indicate that the series, by utilizing retrospection and futurism techniques, attempts to create continuity between the past, present, and future, as the series actively uses its duration or the way it manages time in the narrative. Also, in this series, pauses are used to describe the emotions and reflections of the characters, and to create a specific narrative rhythm with the theme of reconstructing Muawiyah's face. The frequency tool also helps to create a specific mental image of the event of the murder of Uthman and gives Muawiyah the opportunity to justify his subsequent actions. In contrast, the use of the multi-directional/repetitive technique to show the fight against the Kharijites allows the series to introduce Muawiyah as a steadfast defender against internal threats, without the need to go into complex and sometimes contradictory historical details. Accordingly, the series "Muawiyah" is not only a historical narrative, but also a "historical narrative" that seeks to present a specific interpretation of history and its characters by using various narrative techniques.

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کتابنامه‌
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Religion & Communication
Volume 32, Issue 2 - Serial Number 68
religion and communication
January 2026
Pages 561-584