The use of figurative language in the hadiths of prophet muhammad (p.b.u.h.) in the book paradise of the pious by imam an-nawawi
Abstract
This study set out to examine the use of figurative language in Hadiths of Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) in the book Paradise of the Pious by Imam An – Nawawi. It
sought to analyze and demonstrate: the frequency in the use of varied figures of
speech and the necessity of cultural background knowledge in arriving at the intended
meaning. Hence the hypothesis that, some figures of speech will be used less frequent
than others; while, background knowledge of the culture and context is necessary in
interpreting the figures of speech used in Hadiths. Forty one Hadiths were considered
and the figures of speech identified in the Hadiths analyzed using the Principles of
Relevance Theory. Out of forty one hadiths, nine metaphors, eight metonym, six
synecdoche, three proverbs and fifteen similes were identified. Four metaphors, four
metonymy, four synecdoche, three proverbs, five similes were analyzed. Some figures
of speech such as proverbs and synecdoche were less frequently used than others.
Consequently the importance of cultural background knowledge was found to be of
necessity in order to interpret the figures of speech. The results also indicated that the
Prophet used images and figures that were familiar with the people during that era. For
example, camels, shepherds, lightning amongst others for easy comprehension and
interpretation of the figures used. In addition, Imam An - Nawawi never translated
some words from Arabic to English. For instance, Amanah, Al - Karim amongst others
in order to preserve and avoid distorting their meaning. Lastly, the Principles of
Relevance Theory can adequately be used to analyze the figures of speech used in
Hadiths of the Prophet in Imam An - Nawawi’s Paradise of the Pious.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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