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A Comparative Study of Conceptual Metaphors of Faith and Disbelief in the Qur'an and Nahj al-Balaghah
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Younes Rezazadeh   |
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Abstract: (14 Views) |
| According to findings in cognitive science, the human mind organizes abstract concepts through concrete and sensory experiences. Conceptual metaphors, which are central tools in cognitive linguistics, play a key role in shaping human understanding of the world. The Holy Qur’an employs such metaphors to convey abstract notions such as faith (īmān) and disbelief (kufr). This study adopts a comparative approach to examine the conceptual metaphors related to faith and disbelief in the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balaghah, analyzing source domains such as light and darkness, purity and impurity, plants, vision, as well as object and force schemas. The aim is to explore how these metaphors are formed and to identify their similarities and differences across the two texts. Both the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balaghah utilize similar conceptual domains in their metaphorical representations of faith and disbelief. However, notable differences exist in how these metaphors are deployed: the Qur’an, using divine and universally accessible language, conveys these concepts to a broad audience; whereas Nahj al-Balaghah, through a more human and argumentative tone, elaborates on their social, moral, and philosophical dimensions. The findings of this research suggest that conceptual metaphors are not only vehicles for communicating religious meanings, but also serve as deep connections between language, culture, and worldview, facilitating the understanding and internalization of divine messages. |
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| Keywords: Holy Qur’an, Nahj al-Balaghah, Conceptual Metaphor, Faith, Disbelief. |
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Full-Text [PDF 369 kb]
(10 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/18 | Accepted: 2025/03/17 | Published: 2025/03/17
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