Review and Critique of Mohamed Ahmed Khalafallah’s Perspective on Symbolic and Mythological Quranic Narratives

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Islamic Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.

10.48310/qej.2025.17595.1040

Abstract

In contemporary times, numerous debates have emerged regarding the language of the Quran, with some scholars offering new interpretations of its texts. Among them, Mohamed Khalafallah is known for examining Quranic narratives from a literary and artistic perspective, concluding that certain stories are non-historical, symbolic, and mythological. He analyzes multiple Quranic verses, supporting his views with references from classical commentaries, attempting to interpret these narratives in line with his theory.This study applies a descriptive-exegetical methodology to examine several Quranic narratives discussed by Khalafallah, along with his arguments regarding their literary, symbolic, and mythological nature. Additionally, the research seeks to address the objections to the historical authenticity of Quranic stories. It is observed that Khalafallah’s arguments rely primarily on literary aesthetics, poetic interpretation, and references to classical commentaries but lack coherence with theological principles and the holistic objectives of the Quran as a divine text. Therefore, following a rational analysis and examination of Quranic exegetical sources, the study finds his arguments insufficient in supporting the claim that Quranic narratives are purely symbolic or mythological.

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