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

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’s (1962) Speech Act Theory and Mey’s (2001) 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.