A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Role and Status of Women in Nahj al-Balāghah According to Norman Fairclough's Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor and Faculty Member, Department of Islamic Theology, Faculty of Hadith Sciences and Teachings, University of Qur'an and Hadith, Qom, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Student, Nahj al-Balāghah Sciences and Teachings, Faculty of Hadith Sciences and Teachings, University of Qur'an and Hadith, Qom, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Foreign Languages, Imam Sadegh(AS) University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Nahj al-Balāghah, a selection of directives from the Caliph and immediate successor of the noble Prophet of Islam, Imam Ali (AS), is a key source for understanding authentic Islamic discourse. This research examines the discourse on women in Sermons 27 (on Jihad) and 80 (political), and Letters 14 (military) and 31 (educational), using Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis approach at three levels: description (linguistic features), interpretation (production and reception), and explanation (social structures). Findings indicate that by rejecting the conventional and Umayyad violent and exploitative ideology against women, the Alawite discourse represents women as sublime, complementary, respected, and delicate subjects. Considering the emotional and social vulnerability of women, it emphasizes the preservation of human dignity, protection of their rights, and avoidance of injustice and violence against them. By recognizing the group identity of all women, including non-Muslims in a religious society, it reveals the integrated identity of the community, social cohesion, and shared human rights. Relying on religious legitimacy, the Alawite discourse aims to correct incorrect cognitive-cultural presuppositions about women and reinforces its discursive authority through intertextuality with the Qur'an and Prophetic tradition, as well as the use of social identity elements like honor (Ghayrat) and zeal (Ḥamīyyat). This research fills the gap of a comprehensive discourse analysis in Islamic texts regarding women and, by relying on Islamic exegeses, offers a modern reinterpretation for discussions on women's rights. This analysis, conducted within the historical context of early Islam, contributes to a deeper understanding of the status of women in religious texts and has applications in women's rights policymaking.

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References

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Hadith Studies and Researches
Volume 2, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 3-48

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 16 July 2025
  • First Publish Date: 23 August 2025
  • Publish Date: 23 August 2025

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