The Quranic Stories

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The Qur'an has given a brief account of the life and work of some Prophets. This book is aimed to present the Prophets as role model for all people in all times. The work consists of the life and work from Prophet Adam, Noah (Nuh) Jesus (Isa) etc. and the Companions of the Cave Ashab-e Kahf.

Preface:

The first draft of 'The Quranic Stories' was written when I was kept in solitary confinement on political grounds in Rawalpindi Jail by the Government of Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. It was written with smuggled-in ballpoint refills on brown papers retrieved from fruit bags and cigarette boxes. The only source available was the Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. To maintain the authenticity of the narration throughout the book, the direct dialogues have been quoted from the above translation of the Holy Quran. All anecdotes and stories are referred to in the Quran as Parables for their spiritual meaning. This purpose has been kept in view while collecting materials and quoting Ayats from the Holy Quran so that the main themes of the stories remain prominent.

The original sources of details for the Quranic anecdotes are the Traditions (Hadith) and contemporary Muslim literature. After February 1972, when I was released unconditionally from the jail detention, but virtually interned in Islamabad, I had opportunities to consult a number of authentic sources for checking facts and adding more details, among others, Qasasul Quran by Quazi A. F. M. Mufizuddin Ahmad. I have also benefited from the comments of many persons. I would like to specially acknowledge the help of Messers Abu Syed, Ahmad Hussain, Murtaza Siddiqui, Moinuddin Ahmad Khan and Abdul Hussain. Without my wife, Ellen's, encouragement and her editorial help the book would not have reached its present form. I am grateful to the Islamic Foundation for accepting the book for publication.

The book was written originally for my sons; to give them an understanding of the spirit of Islam through the Quranic stories. A number of friends and their children read the manuscript. It was their interest and enthusiasm that made me realize that there was a demand for such a book among the general public. A labour of love during solitary confinement in a prison cell is thus offerred as a gift for all children.

Dr. Abdus Sattar