Metaphors in the Quran: A Thematic Categorization

Abstract

Muslims believe the Quran is a divine composition revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel over a 23-year period in the 6th century. Considering the vitality of Arab literary tradition at the time, it was necessary that the Quran be miraculous not only in its content, but also in its form. Part of what made the revelation inimitable is the Quran’s eloquence, especially in its use of metaphors. This article looks into the different categories of Quranic metaphors and investigates their functions. Since the divine transcends the limited cognitive capabilities of human beings, and because literal language is insufficient to portray the existence and nature of the Divine, metaphoric expressions are essential to helping believers understand the elusive concept of ‘God.’ Additionally, another set of metaphors are used to explain the tenets Muslims must abide by in their quest to attain piety and be awarded when they meet their Lord on the Day of Judgment. Considering the importance of this ‘quest’ or ‘journey,’ which is repeatedly alluded to in the Quran, as one that moves through both ‘time’ and ‘place,’ temporal and spatial metaphors also fulfill an important function in the text.