Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 19، number In Volume 8، November 2026 ، issue Number 126

Semiotics from the Perspectives of Saussure, Riffaterre, and Peirce Based on the Risālat al-Qushayriyya

Maryam Kazempour (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to provide a semiotic analysis of the Risala al-Qushayri from the perspectives of three prominent semioticians: Ferdinand de Saussure, Charles Sanders Peirce, and Michael Riffaterre. The research focuses on examining the structure and function of mystical signs and symbols in the classical text of Risala al-Qushayri, and explores how they produce meaning within the system of mystical language and discourse. The main research question is how each of these semiotic theories can contribute to a deeper understanding of key mystical concepts such as tawba (repentance), huzn (sadness), khawf (fear), raja (hope), and faqr (poverty) in the Risala.

METHODOLOGY: The research methodology is comparative and analytical, relying on the original text and relevant theoretical sources.

FINDINGS: The findings indicate that Saussure, by emphasizing the signifier and the signified, explains the language of mysticism as a self-contained semiotic system; Peirce, by introducing the triad of icon, index, and symbol, enables an understanding of the multi-layered nature of signs; and Riffaterre, by focusing on reading processes and discursive codes, contributes to a dynamic and interactive understanding of meaning within the mystical text.

CONCLUSION: The main conclusion is that the simultaneous application of these three theories provides a more comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of mystical signs, which can serve as a foundation for future research in the field of the semiotics of mystical texts.

Keyword
semiotics , Saussure , Peirce , Riffaterre , Risālat al-Qushayriyya.