The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

By Mohamed Miah

From the dawn of human history, people have sought answers to life’s biggest questions. Who created us? Why are we here? What happens after we die? Across the world, through oral traditions, ancient texts, and archaeological evidence, a consistent thread emerges: the presence of messengers and guides sent to remind us of our purpose and reconnect us with the Creator. These figures, revered in their times, were sent not to one group or region but to all of humanity, transcending borders and cultures.

The Qur’an tells us that Allah sent over 124,000 prophets and 315 messengers to guide humanity, each tailored to the unique needs and languages of their communities. While we know the names of just 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, this leaves a vast, untold legacy of spiritual guidance—much of which still echoes faintly in oral traditions and ancient writings.

Prophets in Ancient Civilisations

Consider the ancient texts of the Vedas, the earliest known scriptures of Hinduism, dating back to around 1500 BCE. While Hinduism today is largely polytheistic, the Rig Veda, its oldest text, contains strikingly monotheistic declarations: “Truth is one; the wise call it by many names.” These words suggest a time when early guidance was aligned with a singular divine truth before it diverged into multiple deities and idol worship.

Similarly, in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilisation, we find references to a great flood and divine figures instructing humanity. The Epic of Gilgamesh predates even the Torah and mentions a flood remarkably similar to the story of Prophet Nuh (Noah). Were these early writings echoes of the same events? Evidence suggests that ancient societies retained fragments of divine truth, even as these messages were diluted or altered over time.

And what of the ancient Egyptians, whose hieroglyphics reveal their preoccupation with death, the afterlife, and cosmic order? The earliest Pyramid Texts speak of an unseen force governing the universe—ideas that later evolved into elaborate pantheons.

A Reset After the Flood

The story of Nuh and the Great Flood is pivotal across religions. In the Qur’an, the flood symbolises a divine reset—a cleansing of widespread corruption and disbelief. Nuh’s survival and his unwavering patience became a blueprint for all humanity. Post-flood, messengers were sent to every nation to guide their descendants.

The Qur’an confirms this universal mission

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).’” (Qur’an 16:36)

Yet, while the Qur’an preserves the essence of these stories, much of their history is found in oral traditions or the fragmented texts of civilisations long gone. Even in remote cultures, such as the Native Americans or Aboriginal Australians, we find whispers of monotheistic beliefs—suggesting that no corner of the Earth was left untouched by prophetic guidance.

Sacred Texts and the Brain, Divine Programming

One of the most fascinating aspects of ancient religious texts is their impact on the human brain. Languages like Sanskrit, Hieroglyphics, and Classical Arabic engage both hemispheres of the brain—combining logic and analytical thinking with visual and emotional resonance. Could this bilateral stimulation be more than coincidence?

The Qur’an, revealed in Classical Arabic, is renowned for its linguistic beauty and profound structure. Its rhythmic recitation not only calms the soul but also triggers deep cognitive and emotional responses. The engagement of both hemispheres could be seen as a form of divine programming, designed to awaken the human consciousness to recognise truth.

Other ancient texts, like the Vedas and Egyptian hieroglyphics, also exhibit this dual impact. Their visual complexity and phonetic richness engage the mind in ways modern linear scripts do not. This neurological connection adds another layer to the universality of divine guidance.

Satan’s Distortions and the Qur’an’s Preservation

Despite the clarity of early revelations, human beings have often deviated from divine guidance. The Qur’an acknowledges this pattern, warning of Satan’s persistent efforts to lead people astray:

“And Satan said, ‘I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.’” (Qur’an 7:16)

This deviation is evident in many religious traditions. The early monotheism of the Vedas gave way to idol worship; the Torah and Bible, while divine in origin, were altered over time. The Qur’an, however, stands apart. Allah Himself promised its preservation:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Qur’an 15:9)

This assurance has been fulfilled. The Qur’an remains unchanged since its revelation over 1,400 years ago, serving as the final, unaltered guide for humanity.

An Unbroken Chain of Guidance

What emerges from all of this is a profound unity in the human story. From the Great Flood to the Qur’an, humanity has been repeatedly reminded of its purpose through messengers sent by Allah. These figures, whether recorded in scriptures or remembered in oral traditions, were not confined to any one people or time. They were universal guides, each reinforcing the central truth: the Oneness of God.

Today, as we reflect on ancient texts and traditions, we must ask ourselves: What is the thread that ties them all together? The answer is clear. It is the timeless mercy of Allah, who sent prophets to every corner of the Earth to steer us back to the straight path.

The Qur’an, as the final revelation, does not just preserve the stories of key prophets but reminds us of a universal truth: we are all connected by the same Creator. And for those who seek clarity in a world full of distortion, its message rings louder than ever: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Qur’an 2:2)

In every civilisation, in every age, God has ensured His light reaches humanity. It is up to us to open our hearts and minds to the call that echoes through history, unbroken and undeniable.