The Manner and Functions of Discussion in the Prophet's Conduct An Analysis based on the Theory of Communicative Action

Discussion, which is an unavoidable necessity for establishing agreement and eliminating disputesand growingthought in human life, has been the subject of study for different philosophicalschools and intellectual trends. In the Islamic tradition, discussion has been a key strategy toresolve conflicts and develop empathy and compassion. In order to know more of the Islamic tradition of interpersonal and group discussion, this research is going to study the manner and functions of discussion in the practical conductof Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the early Islam based onHabermas’ theory of communicative action. According to the written documents, the Prophet’s discussions hadfeatures such as “equality in discussion”, “freedom of expression”, “patience” and “carefulaudition”, and functions such as “preaching” and “maintaining convergence and resolving doubts”. Analysis of these findings on the basis of Habermas’ theory of communicative action displays the high resemblanceof these two approaches to discussion, despite their differences in epistemological foundations.