Directional metaphors

Metaphor, as a part of humans’ verbal communication, is naturally used in the language of religion. Directional metaphors are formed based on the main directions as the original domain and are related to the concepts that indicate the direction and spatial location. Directional metaphors allocate spatial meanings to concepts and thus convey meaning based on humans’ sensory and cultural experiences. The present article employs a descriptive-analytical method to investigate the linguistic aspects of the directional metaphor of the word “qurb” (nearness to Allah) in the Quran, and makes this metaphysical concept understandable in the human mind through referring to its empirical and physical backgrounds. Spatial or local directions, as well as geometric illustrations, create a new understanding for humans. Although the Quran has used several words and phrases to convey the meaning in the application of the directional metaphors, the present study examines the directional metaphors of the word “qurb” (nearness to Allah). In the end, it is concluded that the directional metaphors used for this word are behind and in front, up and down, center and margin, as well as inside and outside.