The Mechanisms of Argumentative Discourse in Al-Muwafaqat: An Analysis of Al-Shatibi's Persuasive Strategies

Abstract

This paper analyzes the argumentative mechanisms employed by Imam Al-Shatibi in his seminal work, Al-Muwafaqat, to establish Maqasid theory as a distinct hermeneutical and usuli (foundational) methodology. The study utilizes a descriptive-analytical approach, which combines a detailed description and rigorous analysis of the phenomenon to uncover Al-Shatibi's unique methodology within his text.

The study revealed that Al-Shatibi employed a set of argumentative mechanisms, which were classified into the following categories: logical and linguistic mechanisms, transmitted and legal mechanisms, and linguistic and rhetorical mechanisms. The analysis demonstrated that these mechanisms form an integrated argumentative system that persuades the reader by combining textual authority (naql) with rationality (aql).

This study contributes to linguistic scholarship by uncovering the hidden argumentative structure underpinning Maqasid theory. It also provides an applied model For the analysis of religious discourse using the tools of argumentative linguistics.

Keywords: Argumentation, Al-Shatibi, Al-Muwafaqat, Analysis, Discourse.

الملخص

تهدف هذه الورقة إلى تحليل الآليات الحجاجية التي وظفها الإمام الشاطبي في كتابه الموافقات لتأسيس نظرية المقاصد بوصفه منهجا تأويليا وأصوليا متميزا، واعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي الذي يجمع بين وصف الظاهرة وتحليلها للوصول إلى منهجية الشاطبي في كتابه.

كشفت الدراسة أن الشاطبي وظف مجموعة من الآليات الحجاجية، وتمّ تصنيفها إلى آليات منطقية ولغوية، وآليات نقلية وشرعية، وآليات لغوية وبلاغية.