The Argumentative Dimension of Metaphor in the Narratives of Ahl al-Bayt as Presented in Al-Kulayni’s Usul al-Kafi (d. 329 AH)

Abstract

Abstract:

This study examines the metaphorical imagery in the sayings of Ahl al-Bayt in Sheikh al-Kulayni’s Usul al-Kafi, highlighting their aesthetic qualities and persuasive power. It investigates how rhetorical devices such as metaphor contribute to achieving various levels of argumentation and persuasion in the discourses of Ahl al-Bayt.

The researcher, alongside other scholars, argues that elements of rhetorical performance, including metaphor, are not merely ornamental or aesthetic enhancements in eloquent texts—including the texts of Ahl al-Bayt—but play a fundamental role in reinforcing meaning in the recipient’s mind and increasing the discourse’s persuasive impact. Through an analytical approach, the study reveals the deep interconnection between aesthetic and argumentative dimensions in Usul al-Kafi, demonstrating that the rhetoric of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt relies on a delicate balance between the beauty of rhetorical expression and the presentation of compelling arguments, resulting in a style that is effective, engaging, and persuasive.

Furthermore, the study compares classical and modern perspectives on metaphor, emphasizing its essential role in Arabic literary heritage, which has often overlooked its function in persuasion and in enhancing the thematic depth of texts. By analyzing these characteristics of metaphor, the research provides insights into the artistry, precision, and argumentative strength of the discourses of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt, and encourages further studies on rhetorical techniques in both classical and modern Arabic prose that integrate aesthetic and argumentative elements.