Speech Acts in the Story of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) in the Qur’an Based on John Searle’s Approach

Abstract

This study, employing a descriptive–analytical approach and drawing upon John Searle’s theory of speech acts, examines speech acts in the story of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) in the Holy Qur’an. The primary objective of this research is to identify the types of linguistic acts used in the dialogues of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) with God, his people, his son, and other narrative characters, as well as to analyze their communicative functions in conveying revelatory messages. The findings indicate that, within the Qur’anic narration of the Prophet’s story, directive speech acts possess the highest frequency, reflecting the predominance of an invitational, persuasive, and guidance-oriented tone in his discourse. Declarative and expressive acts rank second, demonstrating the simultaneous presence of the exposition of monotheistic truths and the representation of inner states, emotions, and spiritual humility within the narrative text. Declarative acts occupy the third rank, with their role primarily associated with creating situational transformations and highlighting particular narrative moments. Commissive acts, with the lowest frequency, rank fourth and mostly appear in the form of expressing commitment, readiness, and adherence of the characters to divine command. This frequency pattern demonstrates that, in narrating the story of Prophet Abraham (PBUH), the Holy Qur’an places greater emphasis on invitational and guidance-oriented acts and, alongside them, employs declarative and expressive acts to deepen meaning and convey experiences of faith.