This locus brings together 1 instance of the use of this verse in Muhammad Shahrur’s books, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.
Text of the verse as cited
And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols
Reader’s answer
Question
Where does the verse occur, what distinction does Shahrur draw from it, and what function does it serve in his argument?
The verse occurs in Surat Ibrahim, verse 35. Shahrur employs it, together with another verse he cites in the same passage, to distinguish between worshipping idols and making them; thus, it serves his argument that the doctrinal prohibition concerns worship, not carving in itself.
Shahrur cites Ibrahim 35 in the context of his discussion of Islam’s position on sculpture. He understands the prohibition in the verse as pertaining to worshipping idols, rather than merely making or carving them. In his argument, the verse serves to support the claim that sculpture is not absolutely prohibited, and that what must doctrinally be avoided is the worship of idols within what he calls paganism.
Citation and location
the Book and the Qur’an — p. 526.
Limits of the reading
- The citation establishes this use within Shahrur’s argument concerning sculpture and paganism, but does not provide an independent analysis here of the verse’s wording or its full context in the sura.
- The distinction mentioned is Shahrur’s position in this passage, not a definitive judgment on all exegetical interpretations or juristic positions.
- The citation does not establish a relationship of synonymy or non-synonymy between other terms.
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Brief reading
The verse is used to affirm that the prohibition is directed at worshipping idols, not at merely making them.
Axes
- Legislative
- Faith-based
Related concepts
- Paganism: 2
Its place in the network of concepts
It helps delimit the meaning of paganism within the bounds of worship rather than manufacture.
The verse’s role in the argument
- Support: 1
Instances of use
- the Book and the Qur’an, p. 526: He cites it to affirm that the prohibition is directed at worshipping idols, not at merely making them.
- Concept: Paganism
- Function of the verse here: Support
- Textual citation: “And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols”
Related books
This page is presented within the overall atlas construction methodology.