"A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Concept of caliph in Imam Hassan's Sermon After the Peace Treaty

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of History, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty Member of Alzahra University

10.22081/hiq.2025.69791.2410

Abstract

The concept of caliphate has been a contentious issue in Muslim political life since the passing of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This article critically analyzes a sermon by Imam Hasan (AS) following his peace treaty with Muawiya to elucidate the conditions of a legitimate caliph. Employing Fairclough's critical discourse analysis method, the study investigates how Imam Hasan articulates the criteria for rightful leadership and underscores the religious caliphate over the hereditary caliphate.
The analysis reveals that Imam Hasan dismisses lineage as the primary criterion for leadership and instead emphasizes adherence to Sunnah and Qur'anic principles as the fundamental virtues of a caliph. Consequently, a caliph should govern based on Islamic principles. This approach not only contests prevailing notions of power but also accentuates the significance of ethics and social justice within political authority, offering an alternative model of leadership in the Muslim world.
Keywords: Caliph, Legitimacy, Imam Hassan, Muawiyah, Critical Discourse Analysis

Keywords

Main Subjects

History of Islam

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 14 May 2025

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