Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran

Investigation and analysis of the method of the Holy Quran in visualizing the words to understand the meanings of the verses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahin SHahrivar 1
samad abdollahi abed 2
1 Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz. Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz. Iran.
10.22034/sshq.2025.461233.1470
Abstract

Semantics, derived from the Greek word semantias, is the science of studying meaning, focusing on understanding meanings in human languages. Generally, semantics investigates the relationship between words and their meanings. It primarily examines the connection between signifiers—such as words, phrases, symbols, and signs—and their applications. One branch of semantics that has been applied in the study of Qur’anic verses is cognitive semantics, which is further divided into various subfields. One significant approach within cognitive semantics is conceptual schemata, which facilitates a deeper understanding of the Qur’an.This article, employing a descriptive-analytical approach with a Qur’anic perspective, examines and analyzes the conceptual schemata within Qur’anic vocabulary. The main question addressed is: What role do conceptual schemata play in enhancing comprehension and learning of the Qur’an? Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that God employs multiple tools to enhance comprehension and present the Qur’anic content beautifully, one of which is imagery. In the Qur’an, words often transcend their ordinary usage to create vivid mental images that aid in understanding the verses.
Conceptual schemata in cognitive semantics can be examined in three primary domains:
1.      Spatial/Volumetric Schemas: Assign material volume to events, making them tangible and conceivable.
2.      Motion/Action Schemas: Attribute movement and agency to events or entities, such as living beings.
3.      Power/Force Schemas: Endow events with faculties such as cognition, awareness, speech, and other capacities.
These three types of schemata breathe life into various events, allowing humans to generate diverse mental images of Qur’anic verses and apply them in their daily lives, ultimately facilitating human development and spiritual growth.
However, given ongoing debates in Qur’anic studies, reliance on traditional or purely rationalist approaches alone is insufficient. Modern semantic tools are essential to address deficiencies, propose innovative interpretative methods, and deepen conceptual and aesthetic understanding of the Qur’an. The necessity of utilizing modern semantic tools can be highlighted through several considerations:
·         Addressing misinterpretations and subjective reasoning due to neglecting cognitive semantics in Qur’anic exegesis.
·         Revealing new propositions in the Qur’an by analyzing its geometric and structural patterns, which are not apparent through isolated verse study.
·         Employing linguistics to explain variations in interpretation, uncovering subtle elements hidden in Qur’anic expressions, and guiding the interpreter to insights otherwise inaccessible.
A central principle of cognitive semantics is that each interpretation is grounded in unique conceptualization, allowing distinct linguistic expressions for the same situation. Although these expressions convey similar events, significant differences exist among them. This principle underscores that semantic conceptualization accounts for the diversity of interpretations arising from a single context.
Therefore, this study aims to examine and analyze conceptual schemata in the cognitive semantics of Qur’anic vocabulary, facilitating deeper comprehension of the meanings and aesthetic qualities of the divine text.
Keywords
Conceptual Schemata
Spatial/Volumetric Schema
Motion/Action Schema
Power/Force Schema
Semantics

Subjects


Holy Quran
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Stylistics Studies of the Holy Quran
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17, Summer&Winter 2025
November 2025
Pages 120-139

  • Receive Date 10 June 2024
  • Revise Date 24 August 2024
  • Accept Date 24 November 2024
  • Publish Date 23 October 2025