The Status of Allegory and Symbolic Language in Quranic Stories: A Review and Critique of the Theory of Fantasization

One of the common views in contemporary Quranic research is the dialog on the existence of allegory and symbolic language in the Quran and Quranic stories. Citing such arguments as the common literary style between the Quranic stories and human stories, the use of symbols with specific modes of expression in the Quran and the cases in which the Divine intent is expressed through questions and answers, some theorists declare that allegory and symbolic language exist in the Quran and Quranic stories. In contrast, others have challenged the existence of symbolism and allegory in the stories of the Quran, citing such arguments as the incompatibility between imagination and scene setting in the stories of the holy Quran due to its truthfulness. Considering the consequences of the arguments and assertions of those who disagree with the existence of allegory and symbolic language in the Quran, we may conclude that their opinion is firmer, and in the present article, this issue is dealt with within the framework of ‘the theory of the exponents of symbolism and the reaction of the critics’ and the critics' attitudes. All in all, it has been concluded that asserting that some stories of the Quran are likely to be allegorical does not imply that they are imaginary and are devoid of realism. Tamaththol (symbolic representation) is one of the Quranic significations manifested in some scenes of the Quranic stories and can be a good solution to the allegorical stories. Metaphysical facts are another manifestation of the realities of the universe that have been portrayed to the addressees through symbolic representation in the holy Quran.