The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals
English Department, Faculty of Letters and Languages, Arak University, Arak-Iran
10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
Abstract
This study analyzes the similarities and differences between the story of Prophet Solomon (AS) and the ant in Surah An-Naml resembles the global folktale type “The Language of Animals” (Type 670 in the Aarne–Thompson classification) and its global folktale counterparts. The findings suggest that while the story shares certain superficial features with folkloric animal tales, it demonstrates distinct characteristics that set it apart. These include: the use of the narrative for theological instruction rather than entertainment; its organic integration with the surrounding verses of Surah An-Naml; its consistency with the prophetic biography (Seerah) and the socio-historical context of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); the blending of revelatory and literary language in the narrative; and the story’s unique structural formulation aligned with the thematic goals of the Surah. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the narrative features of the Qur’an and may help address doubts concerning its authenticity and reliability.
Horri, A. (2025). The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals. International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2(4), -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
MLA
Horri, A. . "The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals", International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2, 4, 2025, -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
HARVARD
Horri, A. (2025). 'The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals', International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2(4), pp. -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
CHICAGO
A. Horri, "The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals," International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2 4 (2025): -, doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
VANCOUVER
Horri, A. The Logic of Birds: A Comparative Study of the Quranic Narrative of Solomon and the Ant in Surah An-Naml and the Global Folktale Type of Talking Animals. International Journal of Textual and Translation Analysis in Islamic Studies, 2025; 2(4): -. doi: 10.22081/ttais.2025.72103.1061
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