This axis 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
So remind: you are only a reminder; you are not a controller over them—except for whoever turns away and disbelieves, God will punish him with the greatest punishment. Indeed, to Us is their return; then indeed, upon Us is their reckoning.
Reader’s answer
Question
What is the place of al-Ghāshiyah 21–26 in Shahrur’s thought, what distinction does he draw from it, and what function does it serve in his argument?
In the attached instance, Shahrur cites al-Ghāshiyah 21–22, rather than the entire passage 21–26, to establish freedom of expression. He connects the fact that the Messenger is a reminder rather than a controller with the impermissibility of depriving people of this freedom, and regards it as one of the ideals not subject to voting.
Shahrur relies on al-Ghāshiyah 21–22 to affirm that freedom of expression is bestowed upon people and that no one has the right to take it from them. He employs the two verses in his argument by treating freedom of expression as one of the supreme ideals not subject to voting.
Citation and location
State and Society — p. 303.
Limits of the reading
- The attached citation mentions only al-Ghāshiyah 21–22; it therefore does not establish Shahrur’s use of verses 23–26 in this instance.
- The citation does not state that the verses are a final summary of the Messenger’s entire mission; rather, it employs them specifically in the context of freedom of expression.
- The citation does not establish a relationship between these verses and other verses merely on the basis of similarities in wording or subject matter.
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Brief reading
The verses establish the idea that the Messenger’s function is to remind, not to control people.
Axes
- Methodological
- Faith-based
Related concepts
- Denial of control: 2
Its place in the network of concepts
It enters the network of denying coercion and defining the limits of the message.
Role of the verse in the argument
- Foundational: 1
Instances of use
- State and Society, p. 303: He presents it as a final summary of the idea that the Messenger’s task is to remind, not to control people.
- Concept: Denial of control
- Function of the verse here: Foundational
- Textual citation: “- {So remind: you are only a reminder … you are not a controller over them … then indeed, upon Us is their reckoning} (al-Ghāshiyah 21–26).”
Related books
This page is presented within the general methodology for building the atlas.