Investigating the Types of Cognitive Metaphors in the Holy Quran

Ahmed Riyadh Marzoog Bdair, Rafal Qusay Fadhel

Abstract: Metaphors are powerful tools for transferring complex thoughts and emotions, and cognitive metaphors in particular have been associated with the way we understand complex concepts. This investigation studied the different types of cognitive metaphors present in the Quran, the central religious text of Islam. The investigation utilized a qualitative methodology in order to identify and analyse the cognitive metaphors in the Quran; the purpose was to comprehend how they contribute to the overall understanding and interpretation of the text. The investigation intended to explore the different types of metaphors employed in the Quran and attempted to assess the most common types of metaphors in this holy book and their domains of origin. Therefore, metaphors should be studied in greater detail. The Quran's verses are interpreted in different ways. Some people employ a metaphorical approach, while others utilize a concrete approach. To study the utilization of cognitive metaphors in the Quran, the researchers chose to examine a sample of 20 sections of the Quran. They then employed a taxonomy created by Layoff and Johnson (1980) to categorize and identify the metaphors. The results of this investigation demonstrated that all three types of metaphors ontological, directional, and structural were employed in the Quran, with ontological metaphors being the most common. Additionally, the investigation demonstrates that the primary areas of metaphor in the Quran are nature, animals, and space. This study helps to clarify the various approaches and meanings of the text, as well as the practical application of its principles in different social and cultural environments.

Keywords: Cognitive Metaphors, Quran, Ontological Metaphors, Structural Metaphors, Conceptual Domains

How to Cite?: Ahmed Riyadh Marzoog Bdair, Rafal Qusay Fadhel, "Investigating the Types of Cognitive Metaphors in the Holy Quran", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 306-311, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25902183852, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25902183852