Constructing Sacred Meaning through Music, Language, and Imagery: A Semiotic Analysis of Qolbi fi al-Madinah

Hidayatullah, Achmad Diny ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1370-6569 (2025) Constructing Sacred Meaning through Music, Language, and Imagery: A Semiotic Analysis of Qolbi fi al-Madinah. IJALT Journal IAIN Lampung, 7 (2). pp. 275-295. ISSN 2684-690X

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Abstract

Islamic devotional music has become a transnational medium of spiritual expression, resonating across cultures and generations through emotional, lyrical, and symbolic depth. This study aims to analyze the semiotic structures embedded in the song Qolbi fi al-Madinah by Maher Zain, applying Louis Hjelmslev's metasemiotic framework. This qualitative research uses a descriptive-interpretative method, drawing data from the song's lyrics, melody, and official music video. The primary data sources are audiovisual materials published by Awakening Music, and the analysis involves segmenting expression and content into four levels: expression form, expression substance, content form, and content substance. Results show that the melody forms a progressive spiritual journey, while the lyrics encode themes of longing, submission, and devotion using ritualistic language. The music video further enhances the narrative through symbolic visuals of journeying toward Madinah, culminating in emotional and theological resolution. The study concludes that Qolbi fi al-Madinah constructs a multidimensional sign system where music, language, and imagery converge to produce mediated religious meaning. These findings contribute to the study of Islamic popular culture, digital da'wah, and semiotic-based religious communication.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Islamic devotional music, Semiotic analysis, Louis Hjelmslev, Qolbi fil Madinah, Digital da’wah
Subjects:	13 EDUCATION > 1399 Other Education 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2001 Communication and Media Studies 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2099 Other Language, Communication and Culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities > Department of Arabic Language and Letters
Depositing User:	Achmad Diny Hidayatullah
Date Deposited:	02 Dec 2025 12:18

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