The Thematic Exploration of the Theological Argumentations Based on Imam Reza (A.S)'s Doctrine

The theory of "Argumentation" serves as an aspect of discourse which aims at presenting an argument to bring about an internal influence within the addressees. The process is carried out through the utilization of linguistic elements in discourse. In the present era, one might use this new method of discourse analysis to open up a new way to the authentic heritage of Imam Reza (A.S). In line with the necessities of his time and along with purification of theological discussions, Imam Reza (A.S) adopted an argumentative discourse and a guidance-oriented approach to maximally use the reasoning potential of his addresses. In addition to the scientific explanation of the argumentation theory, the study at hand has set out to answer this question: According to Imam Reza (A.S)'s doctrine, which themes serve as the main axioms of the theological arguments? Regarding the research method, the study has employed a descriptive-analytical approach. Consequently, after specification of the conceptual boundaries of the term argumentation and similar terms such as polemic, sermon, argument and persuasion, the contemporary approaches to this theory are used to categorize the themes of Divine Oneness, Imamate, and Prophecy as the frequent themes of those traditions received from Imam Reza (A.S), based on argumentative discourse. In the eyes of the authors, the Imamate theme – as the most frequent theme in Imam Reza's (A.S) theological arguments – has not only been a necessity of the time, but also an indication of a necessity in Shia school and Imam Reza's (A.S) cultural advice on the necessity of equipping the Shia with different means to prove the principle of Imamate. In other words, as a result of using this discursive style, the concept of the Imamate of the Prophet's Family (A.S) – as one of the main issues of the Muslim society and the essence of Shia school – receives more attention.