The Rhetorical Context and its Impact on the Interpretation of Religious Discourse: The Prophetic Discourse as a Model

Abstract

The potential meanings and implications of speech cannot be properly understood without applying a set of interpretive principles. Religious discourse possesses a unique character that distinguishes it from other forms of speech, particularly because it is divinely revealed whether in the form of the Qurʾān or the Sunnah. It conveys a range of shared meanings that yield both legal rulings (Aḥkām) and purposive wisdoms (Maqāṣid) that shape the life of the Muslim community. Religious discourse is divided into two categories: recited Qur’anic discourse and explanatory Prophetic discourse. This study focuses on the latter, which functions as an exposition of the Qur’anic message and carries legislative authority comparable to that of the Qur’ān itself. Accordingly, its interpretation requires the application of valid hermeneutical principles that cannot be disregarded. Chief among these is the principle of rhetorical context (al-Siyāq al-Bayānī), which some scholars treat merely as a supporting indication, while in fact it constitutes a fundamental interpretive rule that must not be overlooked. This paper adopts both inductive and analytical methodologies to explore the concept of rhetorical context and its role in interpreting Prophetic discourse, with the aim of achieving an accurate understanding of the text and grasping its objectives. Such interpretation must be grounded in sound reasoning supported by compelling evidence and corroborative indicators. Among the key findings is that rhetorical context serves as one of the strongest tools of preference (Tarjīḥ) when legal texts appear to be in conflict. It also represents the most effective approach employed by scholars of Ḥadīth in distinguishing Prophetic discourse from other forms of expression.