The Power of Storytelling & the wisdom of stories in the Qur'an

 

As human beings, we are hardwired to have an attacment to stories. Stories can deliver messages to us in away that resonates directly in a way that instructions or theoretical explanations will simply fail to convey. And that is why it is also one of the most effective tools for teaching and communication, in addition to the obvious appeal of entertainment and recreation. 

Some stories are used to entertain, some to promote products, some to convince management on this great proposal you have – and some stories are used to inspire and drive us into action. Stories can be so powerful that they can redefine the course of our lives to become better people

That is why the Qur’an is full of stories – from the prophets, the best of mankind, to examples of the worst of disbelievers, including Iblis, and Firaun, and so on – to illustrate to us the best examples, the worst examples and in fact everything in between!

وَكُلًّا نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ الرُّسُلِ مَا نُثَبِّتُ بِهِ فُؤَادَكَ ۚ وَجَاءَكَ فِي هَٰذِهِ الْحَقُّ وَمَوْعِظَةٌ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers.

(Hud 120)

Allah tells us that the stories of the previous prophets are there to strengthen the heart of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself! So if it strengthened him, how much more of an effect should that have for you and me?

With that in mind, what are YOUR personal favorite stories from the Qur’an?

In no particular order, these are my favorite stories which I find most inspiring and can learn many practical lessons from

1. Adam and Iblis (Surah Al-Baqarah, Al-A'raf, etc) 

2. David & Goliath @ Daud, Jalut & Talut (Surah Al-Baqarah 246-251)

3. The man of 2 Gardens (Surah al-Kahf 32-43)

4. Upbringing of Musa and his eventual epic confrontation with Fir'aun (Surah Ta-Ha, al-Qasas) 

5. The people of the cave (Surah al-Kahf, 9-26)

6. The lifetime of Prophet Yusuf (the whole story in Surah Yusuf!)

Share your thoughts: what are your favorites?