Introduction - Behind the Story : Ethical Readings of Qurʾānic Narratives

Qurʾānic stories, encompassing chronicles of both prophetic and non-prophetic personas, have consistently gained wide popularity amongst readership. Despite their vast appeal, the study of Qurʾānic stories has often been marginalized in classical scholarship. Historically, exegetes and literary connoisseurs have not accorded them proper attention, nor have they been systematically integrated into the established typologies of Qurʾānic studies. However, by the early twentieth century, Muslim scholarship witnessed a resurgence of interest in Qurʾānic narratives, leading to its development into a distinctive genre. This revival marked a transition from historical approaches to literary, religious, and parenetical explorations. Western scholars began their philological studies of Qurʾānic narratives in the early nineteenth century, aiming to identify potential influences from Jewish, Christian, or extra-biblical sources on the Qurʾān. In recent decades, the academic focus has shifted towards viewing the Qurʾānic narrative as a distinct literary genre. This transition aligns with advancements in literary theory and narrative ethics, underscoring the ethical nuances of narration across diverse fields like theology, moral philosophy, psychotherapy, environmental ethics, education, and pastoral care.

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Published in: Behind the Story: Ethical Readings of Qurʾānic Narratives
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
See chapter on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1163/9789004683167_002