A Comparative Analysis of Themes and Rhetorical Devices in the Ghadīriyyahs of Muhammad ʿAbd al-Munʿim Khafājī and Ahmad Nāẓerzādeh Kermānī

Abstract

The event of Ghadīr Khumm, as one of the most fundamental occurrences in the history of Islam, has consistently inspired both Persian- and Arabic-speaking poets in the creation of devotional literary works. The Ghadīriyyah, as a prominent genre of religious poetry, represents the convergence of faith and artistic expression. The present study adopts a comparative approach to examine two outstanding contemporary Ghadīriyyahs: one by Muhammad ʿAbd al-Munʿim Khafājī, an Egyptian poet, and the other by Ahmad Nāẓerzādeh Kermānī, an Iranian poet. The principal objective is to analyze the shared themes, rhetorical devices, and stylistic differences employed by these two poets in representing the doctrine of the wilāyah of Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him) and the event of Ghadīr. The research method is descriptive–analytical and based on close textual analysis. The findings indicate that both poets portray Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him) as the embodiment of justice, courage, and divine guidance, and they substantiate their arguments through key Qurʾānic verses—particularly the Verses of Perfection, Proclamation, Wilāyah, and Purification—as well as Prophetic traditions (Qurʾān, 5:3; 5:67; 5:55; 33:33). Khafājī addresses these themes in a mystical, luminous, and epic tone, emphasizing heroism and eschatological intercession, whereas Nāẓerzādeh Kermānī employs an emotive, political, and justice-oriented language, focusing on the perfection of religion and the punishment of denial. The cultural differences and distinct poetic traditions of Iran and Egypt are clearly reflected in tone, imagery, and rhetorical structure, including the extensive use of repetition, sajʿ (rhymed prose), and jinās (paronomasia). Ultimately, the Ghadīriyyah in both Persian and Arabic is not only of high literary value but also serves as a medium for the continuity of the doctrine of wilāyah and the reinforcement of cultural unity within the Islamic ummah.