Al-An'am 95

3 min read

This axis brings together 1 instance of this verse’s use in Muhammad Shahrur’s books, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.

Text of the Verse as Cited

{Indeed, God is the splitter of the grain and the pit}

Reader’s Answer

Question

How does Muhammad Shahrur employ God’s words, {Indeed, God is the splitter of the grain and the pit}, in his discussion of life and death?

In the attested passage, Shahrur employs the verse as an extension of his discussion of the natural life cycle of the earth: its drying up, then its watering by rain, and its return to fruitfulness. He presents this as an example of “reviving the earth after its death,” then notes that verse 95 of al-An’am comes as he completes his explanation of this process. However, the available citation does not convey his detailed explanation of the phrase “splitter of the grain and the pit,” so nothing more than this contextual connection can be established.

Shahrur explains the revival of the earth after its death as a natural cycle: the earth dries up, then rain waters it, and it returns to life and yields its produce; then dryness and rain recur. Shahrur links verse 95 of al-An’am to the completion of his discussion of this process, stating that he moved to it while explaining it.

Citation and Location

State and Society — p. 95.

Limits of the Reading

  • The citation ends immediately after the verse is mentioned, and therefore does not contain Shahrur’s detailed explanation of the phrase “splitter of the grain and the pit.”
  • The citation does not establish that Shahrur treats the verse as a detailed proof of eschatological resurrection; what it does establish is his discussion of “reviving the earth after its death” and the natural cycle of life.
  • A linguistic interpretation of the verb “to split” should not be attributed to Shahrur on the basis of this excerpt, because the text breaks off as it begins referring to the Arabic language.

Continue from Here

Brief Reading

Shahrur employs it to explain the cycle of life and death in plants as an example of revival after death.

Axes

  • Narrative and historical
  • Faith-related
  • Splitting: 2
  • Cycle of life and death: 1
  • Revival after death: 1

Its Place in the Concept Network

It is connected to offering a natural example of the meaning of revival.

Role of the Verse in the Argument

  • Support: 1

Instances of Use

  • State and Society, p. 95: He employs it to explain the cycle of life and death in plants as an example of revival after death.
    • Concept: splitting
    • Function of the verse here: support
    • Textual citation: “His words—exalted is He—: {Indeed, God is the splitter of the grain and the pit} (al-An’am 95)”

This page is presented within the general atlas-building methodology.

Graph View

Muhammad Shahrur Atlas