Conceptualization of fear in the Quran: A cognitive approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : مقالات علمی پژوهشی

Authors
F. Amini 1
F. Fattahizadeh 2
1 Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Quranic Studies and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Quranic Studies and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The present research investigates the conceptualization of the metaphors of “fear” in the Quran. Conceptual metaphors are an important discourse in cognitive linguistics. In this approach, metaphors are believed to be a cognitive phenomenon which manifests in language. This research aims to identify the initial spheres based on which fear has been conceptualized in the Quran and endeavors to attain the stance of the Quran on this emotion. To this end, a body of 607 verses containing the concept of fear was collected. In the next stage, 18 concepts were identified using cognitive analysis. The two schemas of force and movement as the initial spheres play a major role in the conceptualization of “fear” in the Quran. In conceptualization based on movement, behavioral and physiological actions of people facing external forces indicate their lack of control and defeat by external forces, with a virtual basis in most cases. In return, in conceptualizing fear based on the schema of force, the presence of a range of forces such as pressure, blocking, and redirection in facing external forces express the voluntary reaction of people in overcoming the external forces. Hence, in line with its guiding purposes, the Quran has missioned the prophets, in many cases as a divine command, to ask His audience to confront the non-divine external forces with the force arising from – the fear – of divine majesty.

Keywords

Subjects

˗ Holy Quran
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 July 2025