Al-Baqarah 157

3 min read

This axis brings together 1 locus where this verse is used in Muhammad Shahrur’s books, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.

Text of the Verse as Cited

THOSE ARE THE ONES UPON WHOM ARE PRAYERS FROM THEIR LORD AND MERCY, AND THOSE ARE THE RIGHTLY GUIDED

Reader’s Answer

Question

Where does the verse occur, what does Shahrur mean by “prayers” in it, and what function does it serve in his argument?

Shahrur cites the verse in the book Islam and Faith (p. 256). He takes “prayers” here to be the plural of ṣalāh, meaning connection, rather than the plural of ṣalwah, meaning ritual observance. Its function is to serve as evidence within his argument that ṣalāh and ṣalwah can share the plural ṣalawāt while differing in meaning according to context.

Shahrur interprets “prayers” in Al-Baqarah 157 as the plural of ṣalāh, meaning connection, and regards the verse as evidence for this usage within his distinction between ṣalāh as connection and ṣalwah as ritual observance.

Citation and Location

Islam and Faith — p. 256.

Limits of the Reading

  • The citation does not explain in detail the nature of the connection intended in the verse, nor does it define it here as supplication in this specific passage.
  • The association of “prayers” with mercy and guidance in the text of the verse is not sufficient, on the basis of this citation alone, to establish a specific interpretive relationship between them.
  • The citation affirms the difference in meaning between ṣalāh and ṣalwah in Shahrur’s presentation, but does not offer here a discussion of other views or a general ruling for every occurrence of the term.

Continue From Here

Brief Reading

The verse is presented as an example of the connection between prayers, mercy, and guidance in Qur’anic meaning.

Axes

  • Faith-based
  • Human and Ethical
  • Mercy: 2

Its Place in the Network of Concepts

It is connected to the concept of connection as a merciful effect.

Role of the Verse in the Argument

  • Example: 1

Locations of Use

  • Islam and Faith, p. 256: He treats it as evidence that ṣalawāt is the plural of ṣalāh, meaning connection, associated with mercy and guidance.
    • Concept: mercy
    • Function of the verse here: example
    • Textual citation: “- {THOSE ARE THE ONES UPON WHOM ARE PRAYERS FROM THEIR LORD AND MERCY…} (Al-Baqarah 157).”

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Muhammad Shahrur Atlas