THE USE OF SACRED LYRICS IN SONGS AND ITS IMPACT ON MUSLIM IDEOLOGY: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Language is the medium through which different institutions represent their moral beliefs, values, and cultural ideologies. In this regard, music, specially the lyrics of songs, serves as a powerful tool in shaping and reflecting the different religious perspectives. The current study attempts to investigate how the use of sacred lyrics in songs impacts the Muslim ideology, using the method of critical discourse analysis. This research uses the mixed approach involving both the qualitative and quantitative data and critical discourse analysis to investigate the strategies used by the music industry through a close analysis of some selected songs that incorporate Islamic references in songs. Data collection includes a review of lyrics from five songs, ideology, and religious representation in music. The study results show that the use of sacred lyrics in music reflects a broader ideological shift where the religious language is being commodified, that potentially diminishes or lowers its spiritual value. This trend reveals the tension between the freedom of artists and religion, by examining how the sacred discourse is used in public entertainment space. Consequently, this study offers recommendations to safeguard the religious sanctity without undermining artistic freedom.