This is a glossary entry gathering the functional distinction established by the material between the messenger and the prophet, and showing the limits of what can be attributed to Shahrur on the question of obedience.
It belongs to the Shahrur glossary. For reading by theme, one may refer to Shahrur’s major themes and shared concepts.
The established meaning
The material presents a distinction between the two stations: the messenger conveys the divine message, while the prophet is associated with ijtihad in administering and organizing society in his time. The distinction given here is functional and does not permit assuming that “messenger” and “prophet” are synonyms.
Obedience and its limits
In the passage on obedience, Shahrur explains the phrase “obey God” as voluntary submission and willing adherence. But the same evidence does not automatically transfer this description to obedience to the messenger, nor does it settle the scope or form of such obedience. This question therefore remains open to other evidence.
Distinctions
- The messenger differs from the prophet in the function established by the evidence: conveying the message as opposed to ijtihad in administering society.
- The bearer of the message is not equated with the content of faith in the message, and unity of meaning is not inferred from the closeness of the words.