Common Features in the Sermons of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)An Analytical Rhetorical Study

Abstract

The sermons of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) are among the most sublime examples of rhetoric and thought in Islamic heritage, combining purity of belief, eloquence of expression, clarity of vision, and sincerity of emotion. These sermons were delivered within eventful historical contexts, often serving as a voice for truth, a cry in the face of deviation, and a call for reform and a return to the path of prophecy The importance of these sermons lies in the fact that they not only represent current positions, but also convey a discourse that transcends the historical moment to greater meanings that touch on human issues in every age. Hence, studying them is not limited to doctrinal or political content, but rather opens the door to analyzing the rhetorical structure chosen by the Imams of the Household of the Prophet (peace be upon them) as a means of influence and persuasion, and of expressing values and positions. Despite the multiplicity of sermons and the differences in speakers and contexts, the observer notices that there are stylistic and thematic features that are repeated and form a common denominator between them. From this standpoint, this research comes to reveal the common features that characterize these sermons, in light of an analytical rhetorical approach, based on the tools of linguistics and discourse analysis, while taking into account the contextual and historical dimensions of the texts.