Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Speech act patterns of the story of Prophet Solomon (AS) based on John Searle's approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali sayadani 1
Parviz Ahmadzadeh houch, 1
gader ahmadi 2
1 Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University ,Tabriz, Iran.
2 آموزش و phd student of Arab Language and Literature, Azarbijan Shahid Madani university, Iran
10.22034/sshq.2025.465325.1476
Abstract
Research Objective
The semiotic analysis of religious texts, particularly the Qur’an, has always been of interest to linguists and scholars in the humanities because many of its linguistic signs carry multiple layers of meaning. Such analysis allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in these texts through semiotic and discourse analysis. The story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) is one of the wisdom-centered narratives in the Qur’an. Due to the unique circumstances of Solomon’s life and his knowledge of the languages of animals and communication with them, the element of language and speech holds a particularly prominent role in this story.John Searle, the renowned American theorist, is among the scholars who have provided a comprehensive framework for speech acts. According to Searle, speech acts can be classified into five categories: assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative. By relying on his approach, it is possible to achieve a comprehensive understanding of speech acts within a story. Scholars, driven by an interest in uncovering the aesthetic and moral dimensions of Qur’anic narratives, have continually sought to explore their hidden meanings. What distinguishes the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and other Qur’anic narratives from ordinary stories is the divine manner of expression, the miraculous and precise use of words, which creates a vivid and artistic portrayal of events. The divine speech often takes the form of dialogue—sometimes between God and Solomon, sometimes between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba or his people, at other times with his personal conscience, and occasionally even with animals. These speech acts, due to their multi-layered meanings and implicit significance, require careful analysis to fully uncover the intended messages.
 Research Methodology
This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH) based on John Searle’s theory of speech acts. It explores the speech elements used by Solomon in his dialogues with his people and the Queen of Sheba, with the aim of delivering the divine message and guiding them to the right path through effective use of language and dialogue.
 Research Findings
In this narrative, God is the primary speaker, and Prophet Solomon (PBUH) functions as the main agent of the story, establishing a coherent discourse through language and speech. Since the central theme of the story is guidance and moral instruction, assertive and directive speech acts appear more prominently than other types.Assertive speech acts are employed to demonstrate divine truth through rational arguments and the divine favors granted to humanity. Directive speech acts are used to encourage and motivate the audience toward righteousness and truth. Expressive, declarative, and commissive speech acts are also present, albeit less frequently, serving as complementary tools to reinforce the narrative’s message.
 Conclusion
The analysis of Prophet Solomon’s (PBUH) story based on John Searle’s speech act theory demonstrates that all five categories of speech acts are represented in the narrative, although some, particularly assertive and directive acts, are more prominent. God is the main narrator, and Solomon’s speech is often presented as the voice of the divine. He occasionally uses the first-person singular to emphasize his message, while at other times he conveys his feelings clearly and explicitly, reflecting the expressive function in Searle’s framework.Through assertive speech acts, Solomon presents the divine truth with rational evidence, achieving his primary goal of guidance. Directive acts, including encouragement and persuasive questioning, are employed to lead his people and the Queen of Sheba toward God, ensuring that the audience is both informed and morally guided.
 
Keywords
Quran
speech acts
the story of Prophet Solomon (PBUH)
John Searle
fivefold functions

Subjects

Farklaf, Norman (2012): "Critical Discourse Analysis", Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Tehran. [In Persian]
Girou, Pierre (2010): "Smenology", translated by Mohammad Naboi, Tehran: Aghaz. [In Persian]
Hosseini, Sakineh, Ismaili, Ismail, Bawanpuri, Masoud (2023): "Analysis of the verses of the story of Noah (PBUH) based on John Searle's speech act theory", two-quarter journal of cognitive style studies of the Holy Qur'an, year 8, number 1, pp: 286-26. [In Persian]
Jacobsen, Roman (2001): "Structuralism, Poststructuralism and Literary Studies", translated under the supervision of Farzan Sojodi, Tehran: Organization of Islamic Propaganda of the Art Fiel. [In Persian]
Makarem Shirazi, Nasser (1992): "Tafsir Nahosh", 28 volumes, Islamic Books - Iran - Tehran, edition: 10th. [In Arabic]
Mullabrahimi, Ezzat, Sepehr, Abulfazl (2022): "Analysis of Surah Yas using John Searle's speech act theory", Research Journal of Tawilat Qur'an, No. 7, pp. 144-166. [In Persian]
Rouzbeh, Mohammadreza (2004): "Description, analysis and interpretation of New Persian poetry", Tehran: Harufiyeh. [In Persian]
Safavi, Kurosh (2012): "Applied Semantics", second edition, Tehran: Hamshahri. [In Persian]
Saussure, Ferdinan Do (2003): "General Linguistics Course", translation: Korosh Safavi, second edition, Tehran: Meraj. [In Persian]
Searle, John (2007): "Speech verbs; A study in the philosophy of language", translation: Mohammad Ali Abdullahi, second edition, Qom: Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture. [In Persian]
Searle, John R (1932): Criaticism and interpretation, Act Philosophy.
Searle, John R (1932): Criaticism and interpretation, Act Philosophy.
Tabarsi, Fazl bin Hassan (1993): "Collection of Al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an", 10 volumes, Nasser Khosrow - Iran - Tehran, 3rd edition. [In Arabic]
Tabatabayi, Mohammad Hossein (2010): "Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an", 20 volumes, Est. Al-Alami Publications - Lebanon - Beirut, second edition. [In Arabic]
The Holy Quran, translated by Hossein Ansarian. [In Arabic]
Vershueren, J (2003): Understanding Pragmatics. London: Arnold, York and Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
Vershueren, J (2003): Understanding Pragmatics. London: Arnold, York and Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
Vidosen, AJ (2015): "Discourse Analysis, Sociologists", Tehran. [In Persian]
Yule, George (2016): "Usage of Language", Tehran: Samt. [In Persian]
Zaheli, Wahba (1422 A.H.): "Al-Tafsir al-Wasit (Zahili)", 3 volumes, Dar al-Fakr - Syria - Damascus, edition: first. [In Arabic]
 
Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17, Summer&Winter 2025
November 2025
Pages 140-161

  • Receive Date 02 July 2024
  • Revise Date 27 August 2024
  • Accept Date 16 October 2024
  • Publish Date 23 October 2025