The symbolic meaning of the composition of the "Asāṭīr al-Awwalīn (stories of the ancients)" in the verses of the Qur'an; Critical analysis of commentators' views and a new look at the issue

The composition "Asāṭīr al-Awwalīn" is repeated 9 times in Qur'an (6:25, 8:31, 16:24, 23:83, 25:5, 27:68, 46:17, 68:15, 83:13). In 23, 27 and 46 it points to superstition and doctrine of the resurrection. In 5 verses it is understood in 3 meanings: 1- the (invalid) words and writings by the former (generations), 2- mythical stories, and 3- superstition and myth. In the remaining case, verse 68, most of the commentators only express the literal meaning. The above three meanings are based on narrations. Based on those, this phrase is an accusation of denying divine revelation, in opposition to the Qur'an and response to the Tahaddi. But Qur'anic verses about the ancients are not similar to the stories of Rostam and Esfandiar. A critical analysis shows that the part of the narration which introduces it as the descent affair of these verses is probably not part of the text and is the narrator's interpretation because it is equal to the simplicity of challenge. This allegation is against Qur'anic quotes on this subject from associators. Although it is claimed that the narrations cited refer to all the cases of the "Asāṭīr al-Awwalīn", it conflicts with some verses and only the following verses have been used that the meaning has been ambiguous. This paper shows evidence that it refers to the promise of resurrection, exodus, and publication in the writings of the ancients, including the books of Jews and Christians and other divine religions, the Avesta, and the writings of the Copts, Indians, Greeks, etc.