Conceptual Metaphors in the Second Chapter of the Holy Qur’an: A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis

This study investigates the use of conceptual metaphor in the second chapter of the Holy Quran, focusing on how metaphorical language conveys complex theological, moral, and spiritual concepts. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory by Lakoff & Johnson (1980), the research examines the systematic mapping between source and target domains, revealing how abstract ideas such as faith, guidance, divine justice, and human conduct are made comprehensible through concrete imagery. Purposive Sampling Technique proposed by Lawrence and Palinkas et al. (2015), was employed to select eight metaphors that exhibited identifiable mapping systems relevant to the aim of the study. The analysis identifies recurring metaphorical patterns, including metaphors of light, trade, and disease, and demonstrates their role in shaping readers’ cognitive understanding and emotional engagement with the text. Utilizing Yusuf Ali’s English translation of the Quran as the primary data source. The findings indicate that conceptual metaphors are not merely stylistic devices but function as fundamental mechanisms of cognition that enhance comprehension and interpretation of Quranic teachings. This research contributes to the fields of cognitive linguistics, Quranic studies, and discourse analysis by offering a systematic exploration of metaphorical structures in sacred texts, highlighting both their cognitive significance and theological implications.