Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore
This study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on library and documentary sources to conduct a comparative analysis of the Qur’ānic account of the Companions of the Cave in Surah al-Kahf alongside non-Qur’ānic narratives. The primary aim is to challenge Donner’s assertion that the Qur’ānic story was influenced by popular tales. This research further examines how the motif of the Sleepers of the Cave—a recurring theme in Greek, Jewish, and Christian mythology as well as global folklore—is rendered with unique originality in the Qur’ānic narrative. The Companions of the Cave are not only integrally connected to other narratives within the surah but also harmonize with the broader thematic and theological objectives present in other Qur’ānic chapters, reflecting the historical context and prophetic biography. However, due to the extensive influence of exegetical traditions shaped by Isra'iliyyat (Judeo-Christian sources), some Jewish and Christian elements have permeated Islamic literature despite the Qur’ānic account’s distinctive conciseness and internal coherence. A common motif among these various traditions is the exploration of life, death, and resurrection. Yet, in Surah al-Kahf, this motif is intricately intertwined with fundamental Islamic teachings—particularly monotheism (tawḥīd), prophethood (nubuwwah), and resurrection (maʿād)—as well as the central themes of the surah itself. Such thematic unity and depth are notably absent in Jewish and Christian versions of the narrative.
Horri, A. (2024). Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore. International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2(3), -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.71459.1056
MLA
Horri, A. . "Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore", International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2, 3, 2024, -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.71459.1056
HARVARD
Horri, A. (2024). 'Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore', International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2(3), pp. -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.71459.1056
CHICAGO
A. Horri, "Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore," International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2 3 (2024): -, doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.71459.1056
VANCOUVER
Horri, A. Qur’ānic Stories in Light of Structural Coherence and Theological Objectives: A Critique of the Claim of Influence from Jewish, Christian, and Global Folklore. International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2024; 2(3): -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.71459.1056
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