Analysis of Debate Components and Skills in the Conduct of Imam Reza (PBUH) with Followers of Religions and Sects

Abstract

Imam Reza (peace be upon him) engaged in debates with a diverse range of individuals including Christian theologians, Zoroastrians, Jews, materialists, Sabians, as well as Islamic sects and others. In these debates, Imam Reza (PBUH) employed various components and skills. The present article aims to evaluate the components and skills utilized by Imam Reza (PBUH) in his dialogues with adherents of different religions and sects. To this end, this study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and addresses the central research question: What components and skills did Imam Reza (PBUH) employ in debates with theologians from different religions and sects? Based on the findings, it can be asserted that the debates of Imam Reza (PBUH) can be classified into three principal categories: ethical, logical, and freethinking indicators. Furthermore, the skills used by Imam Reza (PBUH) encompass five simultaneous methods. Even in the most challenging debates, without falling into the traps of fallacious or unethical reasoning, he advanced his arguments using communicative debate strategies, ultimately prevailing over his opponents.