EXPLORATION OF PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES IN THE RELIGIOUS SPEECHES OF CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC SCHOLARS

Abstract

This study investigates the exploration of persuasive strategies used in the selected religious speeches of Dr. Tahir ul Qadri, Mufti Taqi Usmani and Dr. Mufti Ismail Menk. The study applies Aristotle’s modes of persuasion: ethos, pathos and logos for the analysis of the selected speeches. Results of the study show that ethos is used by the selected speakers to persuade the audience with the portrayal of the good image of being dedicated religious scholars. Religious outlook helps to emphasize the religious message. Pathos is another strategy of persuasion used by the selected scholars to control the emotions of the audience. Furthermore, persuasion through logos provides justification through logical arguments and facts. These modes of persuasion were highlighted through the text by the following: the use of personal pronouns, repetitions, expertise and reputation, code switching, adjectives and references from the Holy Quran and Hadith. It is concluded that persuasion can be done through language with a number of strategies used by the religious scholars to maximize the effect of their speeches. Future studies can be conducted by comparing the modes of persuasion used by Muslim and non-Muslim scholars.