The Qur'anic Influence in the Sermon of Al-Zahra (peace be upon her): A Study in Doctrinal and Legislative Implications

Abstract

The Qur'anic text and its content were the best tools to convey the pain of Al-Zahra and her oppression. Al-Zahra (peace be upon her) relied on the most significant evidence to explain the oppression of Ahl al-Bayt and to highlight the usurpation of their rightful claim. She worked diligently to employ the Qur'anic revelation with its deep implications in her noble speech, aiming for her persuasive style to guide her audience, drawing them towards the truth with both encouragement and warning. This was in addition to her attempts to reform a society that had increasingly deviated from the original teachings of Islam and its principles, leading to the weakening of religious unity after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has passed away. The dominant characteristic of Al-Zahra's speech was its simple yet profound presentation, using language suitable for all levels of human understanding, in a way that aligned with even those with the least intellectual capacity and comprehension. This gave her eloquent speech an aesthetic dimension, creatively and uniquely, in addition to embodying the intellectual and doctrinal axis of her speech, which she emphasized in her dialogue with the Ansar and the leaders of Quraysh.