Critical Discourse Analysis of Imam Sajjād's Damascene Sermon based on Norman Fairclough's Theory

Although Imam Sajjād's imamate occurred in the most dreadful situation, he never neglected the progress of the society as well as fighting against the illegitimate ruler (Ṭāqūt). Still, there is not enough information about his explanatory Jihad (holy struggle). So, it is necessary to conduct more research in this way. In such studies, the main object is proposing new issues or proving the earlier ones using modern theories of different fields, and through an extra-religious outlook on religious issues. In the same way, this writing aims to apply Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis theory. Fairclough suggests three stages in his theory, namely description, interpretation, and explanation. This study is done through a descriptive-analytical method based on Fairclough's theory. The results show that in the description and interpretation stages, regarding semantic relationships, phrases, ideological meaning and metaphorical value of the words, imperative and indicative moods, passive and active voices, emphasis, etc., this sermon conforms with the context and the aim of giving a sermon. Also, its intratextual relations with the Quran as well as Imam Ali and Imam Mojtabā's (AS) debates with Moʿāwiyah is evident. Moreover, in the explanation stage, through historical and documentary evidence, the influence of Imam's words on the governing atmosphere and its change has been shown.