Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

The Nature of Image Schemas in the Attributive Uses of Fitnah in the Holy Qurʾān

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
jalal Amini 1
Balasem Mohseni 2
Amir Moqaddam Mottaqi 3
1 StudentPhD student of Arabic Language and Literature, Dr. Ali Shariati Faculty of Literature and Humanities. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Arabic Language and Literature. Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Dr. Ali Shariati Faculty of Literature and Humanities. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Dr.Ali Shariati Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Mashhad , Iran.
1022034/sshq.2023.396575.1300
Abstract

Extended Abstract
Research Objective
Language, as a complex communicative system, is not merely a means of transmitting information but also reflects the mental structure and how humans perceive the surrounding world. In this context, the cognitive linguistics approach holds that abstract concepts are conceptualized through human sensory and embodied experiences. A central theory in this field is the Image Schemas theory, developed by Lakoff and Johnson, which proposes that humans understand abstract concepts via mental patterns derived from bodily interactions with the environment (such as motion, container, force, etc.).
The Holy Qurʾān, as a divine and linguistic text, employs numerous words and concepts whose semantic analysis is crucial for the correct interpretation of its verses. One of the most frequent and key terms in the Qurʾān is Fitnah, which occurs sixty times with its derivatives and exhibits diverse attributive functions; it is variously attributed to God, humans, Satan, and social phenomena. Although previous studies have addressed lexical semantics or translation of Fitnah, there remains a research gap in investigating the cognitive structures and image schemas underlying its attributive uses.
Therefore, this study aims at a semantic examination of the term Fitnah in the Holy Qurʾān based on the cognitive linguistics framework. It seeks to answer: Considering the root meaning across different attributive functions, which image schemas does Fitnah evoke? Which schemas occur most frequently within the Qurʾānic semantic system? Essentially, the study moves beyond the lexical meaning to explore the underlying cognitive layers and how Fitnah is conceptualized in the Qurʾān’s audience’s mind.
Research Methodology
This qualitative study employs a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through library research by direct reference to the Qurʾānic text, authoritative exegetical works (such as Tafsīr Al-Mīzān, Majmaʿ al-Bayān, Al-Kashshāf etc.), and lexicographic sources. First, all verses containing derivatives of the term Fitnah were extracted and categorized according to their attributive function (i.e., to whom or what Fitnah is attributed: God, Prophet, Satan, self, disbelievers, etc.). Subsequently, each use was analyzed within the cognitive linguistics theoretical framework—particularly Johnson and Lakoff’s image schemas theory—to identify which schema (motion, container, force, objectification, etc.) underlies the mental conceptualization of each verse. Finally, the data were subjected to statistical and content analyses to identify the dominant Fitnah conceptualization patterns in the Qurʾān.
Findings
Analysis shows that the term Fitnah in the Qurʾān encompasses a rich semantic network, stemming from its root meaning (melting gold in fire for purification) and extending to abstract concepts such as trial, punishment, deception, polytheism, and social turmoil. The primary findings, presented through image schema analysis, include:

Motion Schema: The most frequent schema in Fitnah verses. When Fitnah is attributed to God (e.g., fatannā), it commonly signifies “testing and trial.” Cognitively, divine testing is conceptualized as a journey with a source (initial state), path (trial process and hardship), and goal (purification, growth, or downfall). This schema also appears in verses about repentance, turning from misguidance to guidance, or the migration of believers escaping the Fitnah of disbelievers. The sending of prophets (arsalnā) and revelation are depicted as downward or source-to-goal motion from divine origin to creation.
Container Schema: The second most common schema. In verses referencing “disease in hearts,” the heart is seen as a container holding the disease. Similarly, Hell is portrayed as a container surrounding disbelievers (Jahannama lamuḥīṭatun bil-kāfirīn). In the story of Adam, Satan removing clothing (a protective container) to reveal nakedness embodies Fitnah as boundary manipulation of the container (covering).
Force Schema: Often manifests as “obstacle” and “removal of obstacle.” In Sūraḥ al-Ḥadīd (Qurʾān 57), hypocrites are described as separated from believers by a wall—an obstacle with mercy inside and punishment outside—symbolizing the impenetrable barrier created by hypocritical Fitnah. Commands to fight disbelievers (Qātilūhum ḥattā lā takūna fitnah) reflect war as a counter-force removing the obstacle of Fitnah and polytheism.
Object Schema: Abstract concepts like faith, light, punishment, and sin are rendered as physical objects. For instance, hypocrites’ request to borrow “light” from believers (Naqtabis min nūrikum) demonstrates objectification of light, as if a piece can be taken. The phrase “taste your Fitnah” (Dhūqū fitnatakum) conceptualizes punishment as an edible or tangible object via taste.
Contact and Center–Periphery Schemas: The contact schema appears mainly in war and combat contexts (physical clashes, sword contact) or bodily contact with Hellfire. The center–periphery schema rarely appears, such as in scenes where the poor gather around the Holy Prophet (PBUHH), positioning him centrally and others peripherally.

Attributive analysis reveals that when the term Fitnah is attributed to God, it signifies a wise act of purification (like melting gold) to distinguish pure from impure, whereas when attributed to humans (disbelievers, hypocrites) or Satan, it connotes deception, chaos, torment, and misguidance.
Conclusion
This study concludes that the Qurʾān systematically employs image schemas to convey the complex, multifaceted concept of Fitnah. Rooted in a physical experience (heating gold), the term’s semantic network in the Qurʾān is extended through cognitive mechanisms to abstract concepts.
Statistical and semantic analyses confirm the Motion Schema as the dominant mental pattern associated with Fitnah, reflecting its dynamic nature in the Qurʾān—as a process and passageway transporting individuals or societies between states (e.g., from immaturity to spiritual maturity in testing, or from faith to apostasy). Following this, the Container Schema expresses encompassment of punishment and inner human states; Force and Object Schemas concretize the confrontation between truth and falsehood and embody deeds.
Thus, Fitnah is not merely a lexical item but a cognitive macro-concept that uses embodied human experiences (motion, space, force) to conceptualize divine truths and laws in formats comprehensible to the human mind. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that cognitive linguistics is an effective tool for uncovering deep semantic layers within the sacred text of the Qurʾān.
Keywords
Holy Qurʾān
Fitnah
Attributive function
Semantics
Cognitive linguistics
Image schema
Motion schema
Subjects
The Holy Quran
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Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 10, Issue 18 - Serial Number 18
Volume 10, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1۸,Spring&Summer 2026
May 2026 Article ID:156-181

  • Receive Date 10 May 2023
  • Revise Date 03 June 2023
  • Accept Date 12 August 2023
  • Publish Date 21 April 2026