القصة العربية ودورها في بناء الهوية الإسلامية: دراسة تحليلية في ضوء السرد القرآني والتراثي والمعاصر

Arabic Narrative and Its Role in Constructing Islamic Identity: An Analytical Study in Light of Qur’anic, Classical, and Modern Discourse

Abstract

This study examined the role of Arabic narrative in constructing and reinforcing Islamic identity through an analysis of its religious, historical, educational, and cultural dimensions. The research aimed to explore how Arabic storytelling contributed to shaping Islamic consciousness and preserving core values across different historical periods, from the Qur’anic narrative to classical Islamic literature and modern Arabic fiction. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology supported by narrative analysis to investigate the theological, pedagogical, historical, and artistic functions of narrative discourse in identity formation. The analysis focused on three major levels: the Qur’anic narrative as the foundational source of Islamic values and beliefs; classical Islamic narratives represented by the Prophetic biography, the lives of the Companions, and didactic storytelling traditions; and modern Arabic narratives that addressed contemporary challenges such as cultural alienation, globalisation, and moral fragmentation. The findings revealed that the Qur’anic narrative established the fundamental framework of Islamic identity by promoting theological awareness and ethical values, while classical Islamic narratives translated these principles into practical models of conduct and social behaviour. The study further demonstrated that modern Arabic narratives played a significant role in preserving, reformulating, and transmitting Islamic identity within changing social and cultural contexts. It was concluded that Arabic narrative functioned not merely as a reflection of reality but as an active cultural instrument that shaped values, guided behaviour, and strengthened both individual and collective identity. The study recommended encouraging further research on the relationship between narrative and identity, promoting the study of Islamic storytelling traditions, and supporting contemporary literary works that contribute to the preservation and renewal of Islamic cultural identity.

Corresponding Author:

ghazala.shaheen@iiu.edu.pk  

Conflict of Interest:

The author(s) declare that there are no competing or potential conflicts of interest regarding the research, authorship, and publication of this article.

Participant Consent:

Not applicable. This study does not involve human participants.

Funding:

This research did not receive any specific grant from public, commercial, or non-profit funding agencies.

Data Fabrication/Falsification Statement:

The author(s) declare that no data have been fabricated, falsified, or manipulated in this study.

Copyright:

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Ghazala Shaheen