A Semantic Perspective on Referring Expressions of Paradise and Hell in the Holy Quran: The Case of Chapter 30 (Amma part)

Abstract

The present study attempts to examine the referring expressions in Chapter 30 (Amma part) of the Holy Qur'an. It aims at identifying the referring expressions of Paradise and Hell involved in Amma part in particular. The study also attempts to investigate which of the two entities (Paradise and Hell) of the referring expressions have been referred to more. The study implements quantitative and qualitative methods to classify and analyse the referring expressions. In order to classify and describe the referring expressions, a content analysis checklist is utilized to categorize the referring expressions. The findings of the study reveal that there are 54 referring expressions of Paradise and Hell in Amma part, where 35 referring expressions refer to Hell representing 65%, and 19 referring expressions refer to Paradise representing 35%. The findings reveal that the referring expressions of Paradise and Hell contribute significantly to persuading people to follow the teaching of Islam in order to go to Paradise and dissuading them from rejecting them, ending up in Hell.