The Qur’an and History

Abstract

This chapter examines the notions of “history” as they are presented and developed in the Qur’an. It critically reviews the notion that the Qur’an is ahistorical—that the Prophet stories and other narrative elements in the text do not show an understanding of or interest in history as such. Rather, it is argued, the text reveals a relationship to history that is quite varied, presenting vital and interesting reinterpretations of earlier narratives, both pagan and biblical, and a constant “conversation” with the notion of history at work in earlier traditions. This conversation reflects the formation of the community and the process of its development.