An allegorical narrative is one of the methods that can be used to transport people across times, countries and beliefs. Using similar characters and situations will help people connect with historical events, and putting those characters and situations into modern time settings and with more modern language can help strengthen that connection for people in order for them to better understand a story or concept.
In the chapter "Adham" there are quite a few connections to the Judeo-Christian origin story. Idris anger and pride fullness towards his father when he is told his younger brother Adham will look over the property. He said "I'd rather lose my head than live with this disgrace" (Mahfouz, 11). This is very similar to Iblis reaction to