PhD Degree Awarded to Mr. Mohammed Zaid in Modern Literature and Criticism

Mr. Mohammed Mohammed Zaid Ali Al-Mushki was awarded a PhD degree in the major of Modern Literature and Criticism for his dissertation titled, “Argumentation in Mukatabat Al-Imam Abdullah bin Hamzah (d. 614 AH),” which was submitted to Department of Arabic Language, Faculty of Languages – Sana’a University. The PhD dissertation defense was held on Wednesday, 25-06-2025, corresponding to 29-12-1446 Hijri.

The PhD Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following members:

The dissertation aimed to uncover the nature of the various argumentative mechanisms and types of arguments employed in the book, Mukatabat Al-Imam Al-Mansour Billah Abdullah bin Hamzah. It sought to demonstrate the correspondence’s ability to win over the recipient, stimulate thought and reflection, persuade them to accept desired outcomes, and show how it refuted and invalidated opponents’ arguments or led them to conviction and submission.

The dissertation reached several important findings, the most significant of which are:

• The argumentative nature of Al-Mansour Billah’s Mukatabat (correspondence) is characterized by its ability to imbue the communication with persuasive argumentative functions, skillfully employing argumentation techniques and mechanisms to appeal to both the intellect and emotions of the recipients (supporters and opponents alike). This was done while consistently observing the appropriate context, occasion, and requirement, whether in situations of anger and dissatisfaction or in moments of satisfaction and leniency.
• The correspondence featured a large array of argumentative connectors and factors, distinguished by their clear significance and impact in highlighting the argumentative value of a statement and directing the meaning of the debate. These elements actively contributed to framing the argumentation, increasing the discourse’s persuasive power, facilitating reception and comprehension, and successfully influencing and convincing the recipient of the speaker’s intent.
• The Imam skillfully utilized metaphorical imagery, metonymy, simile, as well as commands, prohibitions, and rhetorical questions as mechanisms for communication and persuasion. These were based on establishing arguments and justifying claims to persuade recipients by connecting the sender, the recipient, and the statements that opened the door to interpretations.
• The Imam expertly deployed quasi-logical arguments of both types, relying on natural logic and mathematical relations. This served to reinforce the persuasive force of his discourse, refute the arguments of his opponents, and guide recipients toward truth and correctness across various religious, political, and social contexts. It also highlighted the role of context in directing the effectiveness of the arguments to suit the nature of the audience and the intended argumentative goals.

The dissertation presented several key recommendations, including:

• Opening the door for future, more in-depth and expansive research into the many aspects of this rich material.
• Re-investigating of the book Majmu’ Mukatabat al-Imam Abdullah bin Hamzah (The Collection of Correspondence of Imam Abdullah bin Hamzah, d. 614 AH), in a new academic and scholarly way.

The PhD dissertation was examined and recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The PhD defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, interested students, the candidate’s colleagues, and family members.

نف الرئيحضر المناقشة عدد من الأكاديميين والباحثين والطلاب والمهتمين، وعدد من زملاء الباحث وأفراد أسرته.