What Is the Wisdom behind the Abundance of Quranic Stories?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
What is the wisdom behind the abundance of stories in the Quran?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
The stories of previous nations with their prophets and the events of the distant past that have erased and taken away their knowledge are rich with lessons, wisdom, and admonitions. It is also evident that a well-crafted and precise story captures the attention of listeners, penetrates the human psyche easily and smoothly, and engages emotions throughout its narrative, without causing boredom or weariness. This contrasts with didactic and lecture-based lessons, which can sometimes lead to boredom. Hence, the narrative style is more effective and beneficial in embedding ideas and allowing them to permeate the human soul easily and smoothly.
A story is an account of an incident that is unknown to the one being informed. The plural of “قِصَّة” (story) is “قِصَص” with a kasra on the “ق”, while “قَصَص” with a fatha on the “ق” refers to the content of the narrated news. [Ibn ‘Ashur, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir]
To understand the wisdom behind the abundance of stories in the Quran, we must recognize the objectives and purposes of mentioning them. Stories are not included merely for entertainment or to attract listeners, nor solely to convey historical facts. They are not intended to provide a chronological history of nations or individuals. Instead, they serve as practical admonitions for people, as Allah (Most High) explains in Surat Yusuf after summarizing the biographies of the prophets and their peoples:
“In their stories there is truly a lesson for people of reason.” [Quran, 12:111]
Therefore, these stories are not mentioned randomly but rather for great purposes. Consequently, the Quranic stories do not narrate events in a sequential order nor exhaustively cover them. Each sura presents different meanings and lessons from the same story, and together they comprise all the admonitions Allah (Most High) intends for this umma (community). [Rashid Rida, Tafsir al-Manar]
Thus, the Quranic stories encompass human life across all times and places. [Sa‘id Hawa, al-Asas fi al-Tafsir]
The Purposes of Stories in the Quran
The purposes of Quranic stories vary widely and are distributed according to their themes and contexts. There are many objectives that cannot be fully encompassed in one discussion; therefore, we will briefly touch on the most important purposes for understanding the wisdom behind the abundance of stories in the Quran:
1. Establishing the Prophethood of the Chosen One
By informing the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), who was unlettered and had not read a book nor studied under a teacher, about historical events that were unknown to him and his people, Allah (Most High) demonstrates the authenticity of revelation and the truth of the message he brought.
For instance, after the story of Noah (Allah give him peace), Allah says:
“This is one of the stories of the unseen, which we reveal to you (O Prophet). Neither you nor your people knew it before this. So be patient! Surely the ultimate outcome belongs (only) to the righteous.” [Quran, 11:49]
This proves the revelation and the truth of the message he brought.
Similarly, after the story of Moses (Allah give him peace), Allah says:
“You were not there (O Prophet) on the western side of the mountain when We entrusted the Commandments to Moses, nor were you present (in his time). But We (later) raised (several) generations, and the ages took their toll on them. Nor were you living among the people of Midian (Madyan), rehearsing Our revelations with them. But it is We Who have sent (this revelation to you). And you were not at the side of Mount Ṭûr when We called out (to Moses). But (you have been sent) as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, so perhaps they may be mindful.” [Quran, 28:44-46]
Likewise, after the story of Mary and the care of Prophet Zechariah (Zakariya) for her, Allah says:
“This is news of the unseen that We reveal to you (O Prophet). You were not with them when they cast lots to decide who would be Mary’s guardian, nor were you there when they argued (about it).” [Quran, 3:44]
Since the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was not present to witness these truthful events, nor did he read about them in a book or learn them from anyone, it indicates that it could only have been received from the Knower of the unseen and the seen, Who knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth.
2. Strengthening and Consoling the Heart of the Prophet
Allah (Most High) clarifies this by saying:
“And We relate to you (O Prophet) the stories of the messengers to reassure your heart. And there has come to you in this (sura) the truth, a warning (to the disbelievers), and a reminder to the believers.” [Quran, 11:120]
Allah (Most High) has mentioned many stories of His prophets in the Quran, detailing the difficulties they faced in their path of dawa (inviting to Islam), to console the heart of His Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). This reassures him that the hardships he faces in calling people to the truth—despite the clear evidence and shining proofs supporting his message—were also faced by previous prophets and messengers.
Many of their followers also turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the truth and insisted on following the falsehood, as mentioned by Noah (Allah give him peace):
“He cried, ‘My Lord! I have surely called my people day and night, but my calls only made them run farther away. And whenever I invite them to be forgiven by You, they press their fingers into their ears, cover themselves with their clothes, persist (in denial), and act very arrogantly.’” [Quran, 71:5-7]
And also:
“(Eventually,) Noah cried, ‘My Lord! They have certainly persisted in disobeying me, and followed (instead) those (elite) whose (abundant) wealth and children only increase them in loss,’” [Quran, 71:21]
The Quranic stories indeed offer solace to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) so that his soul does not grieve over the disbelief and rejection of the disbelievers after the conclusive evidence he brought them.
3. Affirming the Oneness of Allah (Most High) and Commanding His Worship
All prophets and messengers came with the message of monotheism, affirming that there is no deity except Allah (Most High) and that He alone is to be worshipped. Hence, the Quran frequently recounts the stories of the prophets to emphasize and establish this truth.
For example, Allah (Most High) narrates the story of Noah (Allah give him peace) and his call to his people:
“Indeed, We sent Noah to his people. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah—you have no other god except Him. I truly fear for you the torment of a tremendous Day.’” [Quran, 7:59]
Likewise, the Quran mentions Jacob’s (Allah give him peace) advice to his sons:
“Or did you witness when death came to Jacob? He asked his children, ‘Who will you worship after my passing?’ They replied, ‘We will (continue to) worship your God, the God of your forefathers—Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac—the One God. And to Him we (all) submit.’” [Quran, 2:133]
Additionally, the story of Solomon (Allah give him peace) and the people of Sheba is mentioned, where the hoopoe (hudhud) informed Solomon that they worshipped the sun instead of Allah:
“So they do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you (all) conceal and what you reveal. (He is) Allah! There is no god (worthy of worship) except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” [Quran, 27:25-26]
4. Lessons and Admonitions
The stories in the Quran serve to provide lessons and warnings from the experiences of previous nations. These lessons are meant to deter people from committing similar actions to avoid the punishment that befell those who disobeyed Allah. As Allah (Most High) says:
“O my people! Do not let your opposition to me lead you to a fate similar to that of the people of Noah, or Hud, or Salih. And the people of Lot are not far from you. So seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. Surely my Lord is Most Merciful, All-Loving.” [Quran, 11:89-90]
5. Affirming the Resurrection and Recompense
The Quran emphasizes that eternal life on earth is impossible, and everyone will eventually face death, followed by resurrection and recompense. For instance, Allah (Most High) says:
“And (remember) when Abraham said, ‘My Lord! Show me how you give life to the dead.’
Allah responded, ‘Do you not believe?’
Abraham replied, ‘Yes I do, but just so my heart can be reassured.’
Allah said, ‘Then bring four birds, train them to come to you, (then cut them into pieces,) and scatter them on different hilltops. Then call them back, they will fly to you in haste. And (so you will) know that Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.’” [Quran, 2:260]
6. Demonstrating Allah’s Absolute Power
The Quranic stories, including mentions of miracles and extraordinary events, illustrate Allah’s complete and boundless power, which no creature in the universe can match. For example, the story of Abraham (Allah give him peace) with Nimrod shows this power:
“Are you (O Prophet) not aware of the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord because Allah had granted him kingship? (Remember) when Abraham said,
‘My Lord is the One Who has power to give life and cause death.’
He argued, ‘I too have the power to give life and cause death.’
Abraham challenged (him), ‘Allah causes the sun to rise from the east. So make it rise from the west.’
And so the disbeliever was dumbstruck. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. Or (are you not aware of) the one who passed by a city which was in ruins. He wondered,
‘How could Allah bring this back to life after its destruction?’
So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then brought him back to life.
Allah asked, ‘How long have you remained (in this state)?’
He replied, ‘Perhaps a day or part of a day.’
Allah said, ‘No! You have remained here for a hundred years! Just look at your food and drink—they have not spoiled. (But now) look at (the remains of) your donkey! And (so) We have made you into a sign for humanity. And look at the bones (of the donkey), how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh!’
When this was made clear to him, he declared, ‘(Now) I know that Allah is Most Capable of everything.’” [Quran, 2:258-259]
The certainty that Allah is capable of all things indicates the difference between the limited human perspective and Allah’s complete wisdom, encompassing the past, present, and future, along with His perfect knowledge of the unseen. This instills full confidence in believers in Allah’s omnipotence and reliance on Him.
7. Demonstrating the Consequences for Denying Previous Nations and Their Fate
The stance of denial and rejection of the messages and messengers is consistent across different peoples. For instance, the people of Noah said about him:
“We surely see that you are clearly misguided.” [Quran, 7:60]
The people of Hud said:
“We surely see you as a fool, and we certainly think you are a liar.” [Quran, 7:66]
The people of Lot said:
“Expel them from your land! They are a people who wish to remain chaste!” [Quran, 7:82]
Due to this rejection, their fate was the same: destruction. Allah (Most High) says:
“Those (are the) societies We destroyed when they persisted in wrong, and We had set a time for their destruction.” [Quran, 18:59]
He also says:
“So they rejected him, and (so) We destroyed them. Surely in this is a sign. Yet most of them would not believe.” [Quran, 26:139]
Additionally, He says:
“(Both) Thamud and ‘Ad denied the Striking Disaster. As for Thamud, they were destroyed by an overwhelming blast. And as for ‘Ad, they were destroyed by a furious, bitter wind.” [Quran, 69:4-6]
8. Educating the Believers
The Quranic stories aim to instill clear religious meanings and reinforce the principles of the faith. These stories serve to educate Muslims both doctrinally and behaviorally. This includes teaching about faith in Allah (Most High), belief in the resurrection and judgment, patience in the face of harm from disbelievers, and their rejection of the truth until Allah establishes His truth and destroys His enemies.
For example, the magicians in Pharaoh’s court, after believing in Allah, stood firm in their faith despite Pharaoh’s threats. Allah (Most High) says:
“They declared, ‘We (now) believe in the Lord of all worlds—the Lord of Moses and Aaron.’ Pharaoh threatened, ‘How dare you believe in him before I give you permission? This must be a conspiracy you devised in the city to drive out its people, but soon you will see. I will certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, then crucify you all.’ They responded, ‘Surely to our Lord we will (all) return.’” [Quran, 7:121-125]
In another sura, Allah says:
“Pharaoh threatened, ‘How dare you believe in him before I give you permission? He must be your master who taught you magic. I will certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and crucify you on the trunks of palm trees. You will really see whose punishment is more severe and more lasting.’
They responded, ‘By the One Who created us! We will never prefer you over the clear proofs that have come to us. So do whatever you want! Your authority only covers the (fleeting) life of this world.’” [Quran, 20:71-72]
The admonitions and educational lessons from Luqman are numerous and significant, as exemplified by:
“Indeed, We blessed Luqman with wisdom, (saying), ‘Be grateful to Allah, for whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. And whoever is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” [Quran, 31:12]
“And (remember) when Luqman said to his son, while advising him, ‘O my dear son! Never associate (anything) with Allah (in worship), for associating (others with Him) is truly the worst of all wrongs.’” [Quran, 31:13]
“O my dear son! Establish prayer, encourage what is good and forbid what is evil, and endure patiently whatever befalls you. Surely this is a resolve to aspire to. And do not turn your nose up to people, nor walk pridefully upon the earth. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful. Be moderate in your pace. And lower your voice, for the ugliest of all voices is certainly the braying of donkeys.” [Quran, 31:17-19]
9. Facing Despair with Patience
The story of Joseph (Allah give him peace) contains several verses that achieve this purpose, such as:
“And they brought his shirt, stained with false blood. He responded, ‘No! Your souls must have tempted you to do something (evil). So (I can only endure with) beautiful patience! It is Allah’s help that I seek to bear your claims.’” [Quran, 12:18]
And:
“O my sons! Go and search (diligently) for Joseph and his brother. And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith.” [Quran, 12:87]
Summary
The aforementioned examples, among many others, give us a glimpse of the varied purposes of the Quranic stories. These stories are frequently mentioned due to their high purposes, which aim to instill and reinforce faith principles in hearts, strengthen the heart of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), provide lessons from past nations, and more. These stories clarify and solidify these meanings.
I advise you to refer to books of tafsir (exegesis), books on the revelational circumstances (Asbab al-Nuzul), and books on the sciences of the Quran for more information on the purposes of Quranic stories and the reasons for their abundance.
Note: You can find all this in the following books:
- ‘Ulum al-Quran by ‘Itr;
- Mabahith fi ‘Ulum al-Quran by Qattan;
- Min Rawa’i‘ al-Quran by Ramadan Buti.
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
