An Analysis of Structure of the “Companions of the Cave” Narrative in the Holy Quran

Abstract

Quran uses narrative elements to pursue its educational goal and does not continue the storytelling beyond that goal. The narrative of the Companions of the Cave is conveyed from the point of view of the only true, absolute, omniscient Narrator that, thus, provides details of the story while eliminating the need to cite any evidence or reference. Characters of the narrative are presented based on their inner intentions rather than their outer actions and the characters (even the dog) are dynamic, and, having stepped into the path of righteousness with absolutely free will, they become entitled to God’s guidance and mercy, achieve honor, and perform their best. Under such circumstances, even the cave they inhabited becomes sacred and turns into a place of worship approved by God. The time and the place of the story are not particularly recounted as if the story can hold true for any confrontation of tawhid )monotheism) and shirk (polytheism), and even the time of the narrative is divided into two periods of “shirk” and “faith” according to the conditions of the society. The conclusion (moral) of the narrative is presented directly and clearly without any introduction or digression, and providing such morals in different points of the narrative is one of the essential reasons why God narrates this and other Quranic stories.

Keywords

• quranic stories
• companions of the cave (as-hab al kahf)
• structural analysis
• narratology