Reflections on Artistic Imagery in the Style of Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayyeb:A Study of His Speeches on Tolerance and Peace.

MostafaMostafaAl-BastawisiAtta, MostafaMostafaAl-BastawisiAtta

doi:10.21608/bfsgm.2024.401276

Reflections on Artistic Imagery in the Style of Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayyeb:A Study of His Speeches on Tolerance and Peace.

Author

MostafaMostafaAl-BastawisiAtta MostafaMostafaAl-BastawisiAtta

Al-AzharUniversity,Egypt

10.21608/bfsgm.2024.401276

Abstract

The style of Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is uniquely distinguished by its clarity, calmness, fluidity, and strength. This research seeks to explore one of the aesthetic aspects of his linguistic and rhetorical style to demonstrate the eloquence and expressive power characterizing his speeches. The motivation for writing this study stems from deep appreciation and respect for this steadfast figure who remains committed to truth in an era marked by the distortion of facts and the proliferation of falsehood.
After the introduction, the research begins with an overview of the Grand Imam’s efforts in promoting peace and virtue and denouncing extremism and terrorism worldwide. The first section analyses how the Grand Imam relies on simile as a dominant artistic device, frequently utilized in his speeches. The second section examines the use of metaphor in his style, highlighting its ability to convey meaning with clarity and strength. The third section explores his use of metonymy, characterized by its vibrant and expressive portrayal of imagery with simplicity and elegance.The fourth section delves into a less frequent artistic device in his style: rhetorical embellishments derived from the science of badiʿ (rhetorical ornamentation). The research observes that this element is relatively rare in his speeches, as it often involves an element of artificiality and complexity, which contrasts with the Grand Imam’s hallmark style of clarity and directness.
The primary sources for analyzing the artistic imagery in the Grand Imam’s speeches were drawn from 26 meetings, conferences, and seminars held in Egypt and abroad between 2005 and 2017. These speeches were compiled under the title "The Imam’s Words on Tolerance and Peace" and focus on presenting Islam as a religion of tolerance and peace while rejecting extremism and terrorism.

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