"The Impact of Metaphor on the Production of Poetic Imagery in Prophetic Praises: The Poetry of al-Nuṣrah as a Model"

Abstract

Metaphor is one of the most prominent rhetorical devices employed by the poets of al-Nuṣrah in defense of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It serves to highlight the Prophet’s esteemed status and to embody the meanings of majesty and beauty in his noble character. The use of metaphor varied between explicit metaphor (istiʿārah taṣrīḥiyyah), in which the tenor is explicitly stated, and implicit metaphor (istiʿārah makniyyah), in which the tenor is omitted and implied through one of its attributes. This diversity of usage provided a wide scope for imaginative expression and endowed the poetic texts with profound depth and impact.