Conceptual metaphors in the Holy Qur’an : a cognitive linguistic approach

الملخص EN

This study presents results from a research into the linguistic and conceptual metaphors in selected Ayahs in Al-Qur ’ an- el-Kareem.

It examines the conceptual metaphor “PRAYER IS A BUILDING” in the Holy Qur’an which contribute to the building up of inner peace for a Muslim.

The analysis is based on the conceptual metaphor framework developed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980), and the Pragglejaz model of Metaphor Identification (2010).

This paper has focused on the three types of conceptual metaphors suggested by Lakoff and Johnson, namely, structural, ontological and orientational.

Prayer is conceived in terms of three concepts in the Glorious Qur’an, such as PRAYER IS A BUILDING (structural), PRAYER IS A MENTOR (ontological) and PRAYER IS UP (orientational).

The study will attempt to find out how these concepts have augmented the image of ‘prayer’ in the Glorious Qur’an.