Marife Dini Araştırmalar Dergisi

Öz

The Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad, being among the highest literary examples of the Arabic language, serve as both a religious text and a linguistic masterpiece. The hadiths shaped by the influence of the Holy Quran represents the culmination in terms of rhetoric and eloquence. The Prophet Muhammad proficiently utilized rich resources of the Arabic language to share the divine messages. One can see that Prophet Muhammad was able to express a great deal of meaning with just a few words; additionally, in his hadiths, detailed explanations, a style appropriate to the listeners, body language, and emphatic expressions stood out. This mode of expression has been shaped in harmony with the linguistic and conceptual world of the Qur’an, and has constituted an effective foundation of freedom in the formation of the legal and socio-cultural structure of Islamic societies. Literary devices such as brevity, specification, analogy, using metaphors and double entendres which are fundamental elements of rhetoric, are prominently present in the expressions of Prophet Muhammad. For instance, the succinct yet profound expressions found in the hadiths have served as a powerful tool in delineating the core principles of Islam. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad enhanced the impact of his messages by employing a flexible language tailored to the social and cultural contexts of his audience. His effective use of body language, clear and deliberate speech, concise and to-the-point words, and the ability to imbue words with new meanings are key characteristics of his oratorical skill. The language and style of the hadiths are in complete harmony with the conceptual world of the Qur'an. While conveying the revelation, Prophet Muhammad communicated the message of the Qur'an in a simple and effective language that people could understand. In particular, his ability in jawami' al-kalim (the art of expressing a great deal with few words) has made the hadiths a universal means of communication. The Prophet Muhammad took into account the educational level, cultural background, and psychological state of his audience in his speeches. While he used a simple and clear language with Bedouins, he preferred an elaborate and ornate style (itnâb) in the letters he sent to state leaders. "For instance, the tolerant attitude the Prophet displayed toward a Bedouin who urinated in the mosque, followed by his explanatory remarks, constitutes a significant example of situational appropriateness (muqtada al-ḥāl). Moreover, the way in which he provided varying answers to the same question—depending on the comprehension and context of the interlocutor—reflects a dynamic communication strategy shaped by the specific needs of each audience. "Conversely, the Prophet Muhammad’s use of non-verbal communication constituted a fundamental component in reinforcing the effectiveness of his speech. His oratory, augmented by deliberate gestures and facial expressions, was particularly noteworthy when underscoring matters of importance. The Prophet Muhammad’s thrice-repeated declaration, 'May his nose be rubbed in dust!', in emphasizing the paramount importance of filial duty, exemplifies his strategic use of emphatic repetition as a persuasive rhetorical technique. His supplications, characterized by eloquent and rhythmically balanced language, not only enhanced emotional resonance but also facilitated ease of memorization. Moreover, the ḥadīth literature played a pivotal role in the development of the Arabic language. The Prophet redefined the semantic boundaries of certain terms—narrowing, for instance, the meaning of ṣarūrah to denote voluntary celibacy—and expanded others in accordance with evolving religious and social contexts. Through the introduction of original expressions such as التفث في المناسك” to articulate specific pilgrimage rites, he also enriched the linguistic and conceptual framework of Arabic with novel religious terminology The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad exemplify a unique standard of eloquence (balāghah) and linguistic precision (fasāḥah), shaped under the guidance of the Qur’an. These texts have contributed to the enrichment of the Arabic language, the foundational establishment of Islamic sciences, and the development of a universal means of communication. As an invaluable heritage for both Islamic civilization and world literature, this rhetorical style offers humanity not only religious insight but also linguistic and cultural wealth. The Prophet Muhammad’s oratorical skill is regarded as a timeless art and communication model, still exerting influence today. This study explores the literary qualities of the ḥadīths and their impact on Islamic culture, establishing that the language and rhetorical style of the Prophet Muhammad constitute a universal legacy.