Analysis of Discourse and Rhetorical Reading of the Shiqshiqīyyah Sermon

The Sermon of Shiqshiqīyyah is one of the famous sermons of Nahj al-Balāghah. Throughout history, there have been numerous discussions and studies regarding this sermon, both in terms of its text and its sanad (chain of transmitters). The text of the sermon and the abundance of these studies indicate that from the very first moments of its issuance, these words of the Prophet were noticed by the people and had a significant impact on both present and absent listeners. On the other hand, "Rhetoric" as a form of eloquence and public speaking has been prevalent since the time of Plato and examines how speech influences and persuades the audience. The study of rhetoric investigates how a "Rhetor" or speaker engages the audience and convinces them of their viewpoint. The present study, with a descriptive-analytical method, aims to answer the question, ‘From the perspective of the science of rhetoric, what persuasive techniques are employed in the Sermon of Shiqshiqīyyah?’ Analyzing the Sermon of Shiqshiqīyyah from the perspective of rhetoric shows that all the main elements, including "Ethos," "Pathos," and "Logos," have been carefully observed in the Prophet's speech. This is indicative of the fact that delivering such words at this level of rhetorical and eloquent knowledge is only possible for an infallible being.