An Investigation into the Nature of the Quranic Stories

The Qur’anic stories possess characteristics which are unique to the holy book of Islam. Only parts of the story which serve the guiding purpose of the Qur’an are narrated, and details are sometimes left out. The fact that it refrains from using shallow imaginative stories does not suggest that the Holy Qur’an does not use literary forms in its narration of stories. It uses allegory and simile; therefore, different generations would understand the facts beyond mankind’s limited understanding. As stated by Allah the Almighty, “Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect” (59:21). Some interpreters describe the Qur’anic stories as symbolic and reject their truth. On the other side, some believe in their veracity. This article studies the interpreters’ attitudes towards the Qur’anic stories, including the story of Adam and his children.