Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Conceptualizing Patience (Ṣabr) in the Holy Qur’an: A Cognitive Semantics Analysis of Image Schemas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Professor, Department Of Quranic Science and Hadith, Faculty of theology, Alzahra University, Tehran,Iran
2 Post- Doc Researcher in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of theology, Alzahra University, Department of Quranic Studies and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Alzahra University/Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Image schemas, foundational cognitive constructs derived from embodied human experiences, enable the mediation between sensory-motor interactions and abstract domains such as language. This study adopts a library-based methodology to examine the linguistic instantiation of image schemas within the Holy Quran’s discourse on “patience (ṣabr) and its derivatives,” utilizing Evans and Green’s cognitive semantics framework as its theoretical foundation. Additionally, the research investigates the frequency and functional role of these schemas in conceptualizing “patience and its derivatives.” A systematic analysis of relevant Quranic verses, filtered through the aforementioned model, yielded a corpus of approximately 100 verses, within which 163 distinct image schemas were identified. The selection of patience as the focal ethical concept was motivated by its theological significance and the cognitive salience of image schemas in its semantic structuring. Each instance of image schemas within the conceptual domain of “patience and its derivatives” was categorized according to the model. Statistical findings demonstrate that force schemas, characterized by themes of resistance and perseverance against challenges such as moral obedience, sin, and adversity, are the most prevalent. Balance schemas, though secondary in frequency, metaphorically frame divine justice as a cosmic scale that evaluates steadfastness and allocates rewards commensurate with virtuous endurance.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 July 2025

  • Receive Date 16 May 2025
  • Revise Date 09 June 2025
  • Accept Date 08 July 2025
  • First Publish Date 08 July 2025
  • Publish Date 08 July 2025