Rhetoric and esthetics in the Prophet's Farewell Sermon and the Song of Moses: A comparative study

Abstract

This paper undertakes a comparison of the Prophet Muḥammad's Farewell Sermon, delivered on his last pilgrimage to Mecca, with the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1–43), delivered shortly before his death. We shall focus on common elements of style, rhetoric, esthetics and the main message. The Farewell Sermon (khuṭbat al-widāʿ) is considered a high point in Islamic literature and cultural heritage, as a document which expounded human rights before earthly constitutions came into being. The sermon presents a roadmap of divine laws and constitutes a valuable historical document which promotes humanitarian principles and proper behavior.

The Song of Moses takes up chapter 32 of the Book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the weekly portion of the Pentateuch known as Ha'azinu ('listen'), the song's first word, one of the last portions (parasha) of the Torah, which relate the preparations for Moses' death. The song would in future, as told to Moses in the previous portion, serve as testimony to the People of Israel of what will happen to them in future generations. It describes Israel's historical cycle of inheriting the Land of Israel, sinning, exile and redemption.

Keywords: Sermon, Torah portion, the farewell pilgrimage, rhetoric, stylistics.

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/105-03

Publication date: March 30^th 2025