Meccan and Medinan Verses

This study examines the use of speech acts in Qur’anic verses addressing the concept of iftirā’ (slander), emphasizing the contextual and thematic distinctions between the Meccan and Medinan periods. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on Searle’s classification of speech acts, the analysis identifies expressive acts as the most prevalent, followed by assertive, directive, commissive, and declarative acts. The study contextualizes these speech acts within the socio-religious frameworks of Mecca and Medina, demonstrating how the Qur’an’s rhetorical strategies evolved to meet the distinct needs and challenges of each period. The findings categorize the sources of iftirā’ into three primary groups, with the highest incidence attributed to disbelievers, followed by Jews, and then hypocrites. The themes of iftirā’ in the analyzed verses include slanders about divine unity, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), divine signs, the truth of prophethood, the Qur’an, the miracles of the prophets, the reality of resurrection, and human relationships. This research underscores the Qur’an’s dynamic communicative approach, illustrating how its discourse effectively engaged diverse audiences while addressing theological, and social dimensions of slander. The study offers valuable insights into Qur’anic rhetoric and its broader application in contemporary discourse analysis.