Argumentation in Al-Iskafi's Book Al-Mi’yar wa Al-Muwazanah fi Fadhai'l Ali bin Abi Talib: A Pragmatic Study

Abstract

The study aimed to examine argumentation and the argumentative scale in the book "Al-Mi'yar wa Al-Muwazanah" (The Standard and Balance), highlighting the semantic role of texts based on argumentative relationships. Argumentation builds strong interactional links with the recipient.

The study relied on the pragmatic approach to the exchange of its material between the sender and the addressee. It reached a set of conclusions, most notably that the language of argumentation is robust, clear, and intentional, as its goal is persuasion. Argumentation is based on relationships constructed through expressive tools, including: conditional, restriction, repetition, justification, and connection. We find multiple rules of the argumentative scale, including the law of reduction: if a statement is true at certain levels of the scale, then its opposite is true at levels below it. The law of negation: if a statement used by a speaker has a specific outcome, its negation will be an argument in favor of the opposite outcome.

The law of the heart: denying any degree or evidence on the ladder does not entail denying the rank above it.

Our study recommends encouraging more new readings about exemplary people, including Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), with the aim of highlighting his magnificent virtues for emulation. Among the recommendations is the application of modern pragmatic approaches to Arabic literature to demonstrate the flexibility of the Arabic language and its ability to endure and keep pace with various civilizational developments.