Between Myth-Making and Shiite Exegesis: Nasnās and Qurʾān 2:30

Abstract

This paper explores the role that the myth of the Nasnās, a pre-Adamic humanlike creature, plays in the Shiite exegesis of Qurʾān 2:30. It aims to shed light on the blurry line between myth-making, fiction and Quranic commentary. Of a cosmological nature, this verse has long provoked speculation by Muslim exegetes about universal history. Nevertheless, the Shiite evocation of the Nasnās in this context is unique and reflects a somewhat different cosmological perception. Whether this perception is the result of commentators’ endeavors to tackle some of the theological difficulties posed by this verse or a mere reflection of their heretofore existing cosmological notions, is an additional tension to be addressed.