This page explains a conceptual relation between two poles within Shahrur’s thought, and how this relation operates in the construction of meaning.
The Meaning of the Relation
This linkage indicates that the station of message is the station that undertakes legislation and organization. The text clearly states that the message is associated with the domain of laying down rulings and organizing life, in contrast to the station of prophethood, which is concerned with the unseen and with knowledge. Thus, the station of message here is not understood as a general spiritual experience, but as a function with a specific legislative and organizational content.
The Two Poles of the Relation
- The first pole: the station of message
- The relation: concerns
- The second pole: legislation and organization
Evidence
- Toward New Foundations for Islamic Jurisprudence via The station of message concerns legislation and organization
- Witness: Muhammad’s station is divided into the station of message and the station of prophethood: message is for legislation and organization, and prophethood is for the unseen and knowledge
Its Effect in the Knowledge Map
This relation acquires importance because it draws a conceptual boundary within the map between two different functions of Muhammad’s station: the function of message and the function of prophethood. This separation helps organize knowledge around the central concepts in the presented conception, and makes legislation and organization part of the domain of message specifically, not of the domain of prophethood. It is therefore a pivotal relation for understanding the distribution of roles within the intellectual structure of the text and linking it to issues of jurisprudence and its foundations.