When a historical report is associated with a verse, two questions must be separated: is the event reliably established? and how far does it determine the verse's meaning?
Many Qur'anic narratives and warnings centrally teach divine oneness, reform of conduct and rejection of false beliefs. An unverified incidental story cannot be made a prerequisite for understanding a clear general exhortation. Where the wording itself refers to a particular event, however, sound historical evidence can illuminate the context.
For example, a general command to honesty need not require a complete list of its first listeners. A specific address or unclear allusion can call for a different investigation.