Abstract:

In this article it is explored in what degree the Qur’an parables, which constitute a large part of the Qur’an, were known by their first audience. First, the importance of the parables is clarified in view of the final Revelation. After which, the arguments and evidence for the claim that the parables were known during the revelation and before are presented, as well as those for the opposite claim. Furthermore, it is evaluated whether the Qur’an parables were known by their first audience or not. This subject is evaluated using not only verses, tradition and poetic sources, but also rational reasoning considering both the pagan Arabs as well as the ‘People of the Book’. Contrary to the view that the parables weren’t known, it is established that in fact they were, even if only by their main outlines.

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