A critical discourse analysis of the representation of polygamy and gender relations in the series Bidaah: a Qur’anic perspective

Purpose This article aims to unearth the representation of polygamy and gender relations in the series Bidaah through the lens of critical discourse analysis (CDA) and a Qur’anic perspective. The study examines how the depiction of polygamy in the series reflects power structures and gender norms, as well as how it portrays women’s experiences and acts of resistance against oppression. The research seeks to understand how media shapes and reproduces societal gender norms and power hierarchies. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study employs Norman Fairclough’s CDA approach, with data collected from dialogs and narratives in the series that reflect gender conflicts. By selecting key scenes, the study identifies polygamy as a tool of patriarchal control that often results in the subordination of women. Findings Findings reveal that the series frequently reinforces patriarchal hegemony, positioning women in subordinate roles. However, elements of resistance also emerge, as female characters demonstrate awareness of injustice and attempt to challenge such practices. Furthermore, the study contextualizes Qur’anic interpretations of polygamy within the framework of gender justice. This research contributes to the discourse on polygamy and gender representation in media and underscores the importance of reinterpreting religious texts in modern contexts to promote equality and social justice. Originality/value This study offers an original contribution by integrating Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis with a Qur’anic perspective to examine the representation of polygamy and gender relations in the television series Bidaah, an approach that has rarely been applied in existing media studies. Unlike prior research that predominantly addresses polygamy as a sociocultural or patriarchal phenomenon, this research foregrounds women’s discursive agency and resistance while critically contextualizing Qur’anic interpretations within contemporary debates on gender justice.