Rhetorical Devices of the Qur’an and their Translation into English and Russian: Patterns of Social Behavior in the Focus

This research paper focuses on analyzing the prominent use of rhetorical devices in the primary book of Muslims, particularly in its English and Russian translations. The relevance of this study is underscored by the contemporary context, characterized by the emergence of Islamic states, the significant influence of religion in political and other spheres in the Middle East, as well as the rapid global spread of Islam. The Holy Qur’an and the Hadiths of the Prophet Mohammed, recognized as the guiding principles for millions of Muslims worldwide, offer rich material for linguistic examination. The paper proposes classification of rhetorical tools into categories such as decorative, cognitive, instructive, argumentative, and convenience. These linguistic devices serve to influence the reader, enhance their impact, add aesthetic aspects and persuasive language, as well as prompt the reader to think, recall, compare, and discover new meanings within the text. Emphasizing the aspect of translation, the paper delves into the specifics of translating religious texts and highlights the challenges faced by translator. The analysis involves scrutinizing the original texts of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadiths, along with their translations with a particular focus on figurative elements. The intended impact is achieved through rhetorical tools that serve diverse functions, ranging from cognitive devices that prompt specific mental analysis in creating images, to psychological and emotional elements that, when combined with distinct syntactical patterns, form a unique masterpiece intended for veneration and adherence in the Muslim world. The methodology employed in this study encompasses various tools, including historical analysis, methods of comparative studies, analytical examination, translation theory, as well as methods of interpretation and evaluation, which contribute to the logical progression of the investigation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.