Cognitive Semantics of Forgiveness based on Prototype Theory

This thesis is an interdisciplinary study that analyzes the concept of forgiveness in the culture of the Quran and Sahifah Sajjadiyah using cognitive semantics and examines the intertextuality of forgiveness in these two sacred texts.
Cognitive semantics of forgiveness aims to uncover the conceptualization of forgiveness within these texts. The meaning of forgiveness has always been questioned in the Quran and revealed texts, with ambiguities surrounding its interpretation. This thesis employs two methods—cognitive semantics and semiotic intertextuality—to answer the question of what the meaning and concept of forgiveness is through cognitive semantics, and how its intertextual relationship with forgiveness in Sahifah Sajjadiyah can be explained.
By examining the verses of the Quran and the supplications in Sahifah Sajjadiyah through the aforementioned methods in conceptual metaphors, we conclude that the concept of forgiveness in the Quran and Sahifah Sajjadiyah fundamentally differs from the definitions found in lexical works. Based on the structural metaphors of forgiveness in the Quran, forgiveness is an existential matter characterized by qualities such as being promiseable, preparable, lovable, and desirable.
According to the conceptual metaphors of forgiveness in Sahifah Sajjadiyah, forgiveness is characterized as nurturing, a refuge, trust-building, a blessing, complementing, deserving, hopeful, requestable, a space, a presence, and expansive, along with possessing sweetness.
Based on exemplars and other meanings within the radial network of forgiveness in the Quran, forgiveness can be defined as an existential matter that stands in opposition to punishment and serves as a reward for humans. Additionally, the meanings of pardon and disregard for sin, which also function as a reward, along with the negative and non-rewarding semantic components, form the subsequent layers of the radial network of forgiveness.
In Sahifah Sajjadiyah, the exemplar of forgiveness is introduced as an existential matter that opposes sin. The opposition to punishment and immunity from it are further layers of the radial network of forgiveness that do not exist in the Quran.
In the interpretive intertextuality of forgiveness in the Quran and Sahifah Sajjadiyah, it is concluded that there is both agreement and opposition, as well as influence; however, there is no conflict, divergence, or parallelism in the intertextual relationship between Sahifah Sajjadiyah and the Quran, as the words of the Imams (peace be upon them) stem from a source of revelation and are influenced by the verses of the Quran.