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Articles - CfP Topic

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Death, Loss and Mourning in Film and Media

Live After Death : Shiʿi Martyrdom Narratives on Instagram

DOI
https://doi.org/10.25364/05.12:2026.1.7
Submitted
April 13, 2025
Published
2026-05-15

Abstract

Martyrdom holds an important position in Shiʿi Islam, deeply embedded in the historical and theological fabric of the faith. This concept is epitomised by the killing of the Prophet’s grandson Ḥusayn – his martyrdom transcends its historical occurrence to serve as a profound symbol of ultimate sacrifice for truth, justice, and resistance against oppression. It resonates throughout Shiʿi theology, shaping the community’s identity and religious practices. Historical narratives are continuously reinterpreted and retransmitted, influencing contemporary beliefs and practices, including those in digital spaces. When a significant Shiʿi figure dies or is martyred, Instagram becomes a key platform for expression, as it is flooded with images of the individual alongside historical figures from early Shiʿi Islamic history – primarily Shiʿi Imams. This research explores how social media, particularly Instagram, serves as a medium for the reinterpretation of historical narratives. Through the analysis of such posts, the study examines the innovative use of sacred figures and the dynamic connections between past and present events, revealing how digital platforms reimagine and propagate Shiʿi martyrdom narratives in the contemporary era.