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Pragmatic-rhetorical strategies employed by Prophet Mohammad in Hadiths on faith

ORCiD logo with link | Jordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbid
 | Yarmouk UniversityIrbid | Al-Zaytoonah University of JordanAmman
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Abstract
This study examines the rhetorical strategies and pragmatic functions employed by Prophet Mohammad in Hadiths on faith. The data are a substantial portion of Hadiths in Arabic taken from the second chapter (bāb al-imān ‘the book of faith’) in Sahih Al-Bukhāri. The analysis draws insights from Aristotle’s three persuasive appeals — logos, pathos and ethos, Austin, John L. 1962. How to Do Things with Words. Oxford: Oxford University PressGoogle Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar Speech Act Theory and Mey, Jacob L. 2001. Pragmatics: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar action-theoretic societal pragmatics known as the theory of Pragmatic Acts. Findings reveal that Prophet Mohammad persuades by employing classification, cause and effect, metaphor, analogy and pun, and sharing personal experience. Compelling arguments are developed through the speaker’s appeal to the audience’s rational thinking, emotional attitudes, and moral principles. These persuasive elements are a suitable foundation for accomplishing pragmatic acts such as reiterating, encouraging, guiding, warning, inspiring and exhorting.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Islamic Hadith genre
  • 3.Theoretical framework
    • 3.1Rhetorical component
    • 3.2Pragmatic component
  • 4.Research on persuasion in religious discourse
  • 5.Data collection
  • 6.Data presentation and analysis
    • 6.1Use of classification
    • 6.2Use of cause and effect
    • 6.3Use of metaphor
    • 6.4Use of analogy and pun
    • 6.5Sharing personal experience
  • 7.Discussion and conclusion
    • 7.1Aristotelian appeal
    • 7.2Speech Act Theory and the theory of Pragmatic Acts
  • Acknowledgement
  • Note
  • References
References (41)
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