Style Interference in Arafah Supplication of Imam Al-Hussein (Peace Be Upon Him)

Abstract

This study is related to a semantic field concerning one of the most significant styles of Arabic prose—supplication—which encompasses a wealth of linguistic and semantic topics. The researcher examined the phenomenon of interweaving linguistic styles within a text that epitomizes eloquence and clarity: Imam al-Husayn’s (peace be upon him) Supplication of ‘Arafah. This supplication is among the most famous prayers narrated from the Prophet’s Household (peace be upon them all). Its merit lies in the fact that it is uttered directly by an infallible Imam and stands as an encyclopedic source of evidence affirming the general principles of Islamic creed, in addition to providing proof of the primary aim of every supplication: the necessity of expressing gratitude for the blessings of the Almighty (Glorified and Exalted be He).

The study presents examples from the supplication in which styles are intertwined, diverse, and complementary, producing intended meanings from the sum of these styles. This is an attempt to establish the intentionality of the author—something no one else could achieve—by employing them together and harnessing their different connotations to fulfill the intended purpose in the text.