Qurʾānic Parables: An Analysis of Their Originality and Profundity and a Refutation of Orientalist Claims

Abstract

This study examines the profound theological and ethical dimensions of the Qurʾānic parables, affirming their divine origin and refuting Orientalist assertions of derivation. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses textual and comparative analyses that engage classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship, the research illuminates the Qurʾān’s unique literary artistry, cultural rootedness, and theological underpinnings. It acknowledges the challenges of translation across linguistic and cultural boundaries while revealing the parables’ depth, sophistication, and centrality to Islamic teachings. Key findings underscore the Qurʾān’s creative engagement with earlier narrative traditions as it consistently recasts shared motifs in a distinctly Islamic framework, inviting believers to reflect on the nature of divine reality and the path of ethical conduct. This research aims to enrich the field of Qurʾānic hermeneutics, contribute to interfaith dialogue, and open new avenues for exploring the reception history, spiritual impact, and contemporary relevance of these timeless narratives.