This page explains a conceptual relationship between two poles within Shahrur’s thought, and how this relationship functions in the construction of meaning.
Within a broader family
This relationship falls within the field of the function of Qur’anic narratives in Shahrur’s thought. Its witness clarifies a specific aspect, and the family brings together moral lesson, knowledge, and the disclosure of historical laws, while denying the transformation of narratives into a direct source of legislation.
Meaning of the relationship
This relationship means that Qur’anic narratives are not taken as a source for deriving a legal ruling. Their function here is understood as a presentation of events and lessons, not as material for legislation or for issuing binding rulings. The attached witness clarifies that there is a distinction between Qur’anic narratives on the one hand, and the verses of message and legislation on the other; therefore, no legal ruling is taken from narratives.
The two poles of the relationship
- First pole: Qur’anic narratives
- Relationship: no ruling is derived from them
- Second pole: a legal ruling
Evidence
- Qur’anic narratives vol. 2 via Qur’anic narratives are not a source for legislation
- Witness: - It distinguishes between Qur’anic narratives as historical, and the verses of message and legislation, and holds that no legal ruling is taken from narratives.
Its effect on the knowledge map
This relationship gains its importance because it draws clear boundaries within the conceptual map between the different domains of the Qur’an. It prevents confusion between the narrative domain and the legislative domain, and helps organize the understanding of the Qur’anic text according to its functions, so that the narrative discourse is not burdened with what was not intended for it in terms of rulings. In this way, it contributes to regulating the paths of inference within the knowledge network, and shows where the text is a source of moral lesson and history, and where it is a source of legislation.