The parables of the Qur'an in the commentaries of Qurṭubī and Ibn Kathīr

Abstract

As with the case of the Bible, the Qur'an makes use of numerous literary genres in order to communicate its message. Among these one finds the parable. What is particular to this genre is that it is "usually designated to inculcate a single truth or answer a single question". It is certain that the parable (matal) tends to be dominated by the homiletical element, and therefore it is no surprise that it is one of the didactic forms applied by the Qur'an in order to expound its message. There are only three texts in the Qur'an that may be considered as parables, namely Q. 68:17-33, which narrates the story of the garden laid desolate; Q. 18:32-44, which recounts the story of two owners of gardens; and Q. 36:13-29, which relates the story of the disbelieving town. According to W. Montgomery Watt, this last parable is more of a simile that has been expanded into a story. All three date back to the earlier period of Muhammad's preaching in Mecca, which is also the formative period of lslam. What follows is an analysis of each of these three passages in the light of classical Muslim commentary, especially that of QurtubI and Ibn Katir, followed by an account of the common traits that bind these texts together.