Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

The Narrated Discourse of Dhū al-Qarnayn in Sūrat al-Kahf: A Todorovian Narratological Analysis of Mode, Time, Perspective, and Tone

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Morteza Arab 1
Hasan Alidadi Soleimani 2
1 Assistant Professor of Department of Theology, Faculty of Law and Theology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 Department of Theology, Faculty of Law and Theology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/iscw.2026.2079876.1220
Abstract
A fundamental issue in Qur’anic studies is understanding the narrative mechanisms of Qur’anic stories, which convey the richest theological and pedagogical messages with the most economical use of language. Focusing on this issue, the present study analyzes the narrative of Dhul-Qarnayn in Surah Al-Kahf from the perspective of Todorov’s narratology, with emphasis on the four components of verbal aspect (mood, time, voice, and tone). The aim is to clarify how these components are organized to create a multi-layered, guidance-oriented structure and to demonstrate the high capacity of this framework in revealing the rhetorical and pedagogical layers of Qur’anic narratives. The research method is analytical-descriptive and based on library research. The findings indicate that: Mood, by shifting between direct, indirect, and narrated speech, establishes a balance between the presence of characters and divine authority. Time, through linearity, compression, and eschatological anachrony, elevates the narrative to a teleological dimension. Voice, by moving between an omniscient narrator, internal focalization, and a divine first-person perspective, manifests human agency and divine supervision. Tone, through shifts from the imperative to the advisory and warning, guides the audience from contemplation to eschatological awakening. The integrated analysis of the four components reveals a coherent and purposeful system of verbal aspect that multi-dimensionally conveys messages of justice, mercy, humility, and preparation for the Day of Judgment. By proving the efficacy of Todorov’s framework in analyzing sacred texts, this research enriches the interdisciplinary dialogue between narratology and Qur’anic studies and provides a basis for new structural interpretations and effective religious education.
Keywords
Qur’anic Stories'
Dhul-Qarnayn Narrative'
Todorov '
'
Verbal Aspect
Subjects
The Holy Qur'an.
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Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 8
February 2026
Pages 261-290

  • Receive Date 04 December 2025
  • Revise Date 30 April 2026
  • Accept Date 03 May 2026
  • First Publish Date 03 May 2026
  • Publish Date 21 January 2026