IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

The Conceptual Metaphors and Frames of Happiness in Kimiya al-Sa‘adah: A Cognitive-Linguistic Study

Nur Khofifah Saadiah (Magister Linguistik, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta)
Sailal Arimi (Magister Linguistik, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

The study examines the conceptual metaphors and frames found in a work by Imam al-Ghazali, Kimiya al-Sa‘adah. The analysis employs Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and frame analysis, using a qualitative descriptive method. The purpose of this study is to identify the conceptualization of “happiness” in the Islamic classical text and to contribute to cognitive linguistics. Based on the findings, the study identifies at least eight conceptual metaphors: HAPPINESS IS PURIFICATION, HAPPINESS IS CLOSENESS TO GOD, HAPPINESS IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH, HAPPINESS IS DEVOTIONAL INTIMACY, HAPPINESS IS DIVINE LOVE THAT GROWS, HAPPINESS IS REUNITING WITH GOD, HAPPINESS IS SELF-DISCIPLINE, and HAPPINESS IS AN ETERNAL SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. These conceptual metaphors form four frames through their underlying cognitive structures: self-purification, divine proximity, spiritual ascent, and eschatological reunion. From these findings, the researchers conclude that Imam al-Ghazali does not define happiness as worldly pleasure alone, but as the culmination of spiritual purification that leads a person back to God.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...