This thematic entry brings together 1 instance of the use of this verse in the books of Muhammad Shahrur, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.
Text of the verse as cited
… MY WORD IS NOT ALTERED WITH ME, AND I AM NOT UNJUST TO THE SLAVES
Reader’s response
Question
How does Shahrur employ Q 28–29 to distinguish between «worshippers» and «slaves», and how does this relate to this world and the Day of Judgment?
Shahrur links the two verses to the Day of Judgment and takes them as support for describing human beings then as «His slaves», since they possess no authority over the matter. Yet he does not deny that in this world they are described as «God’s worshippers»; the current wording therefore requires correction in distinguishing between the two descriptions.
Shahrur defines «slaves» as the plural of «owned slave» and links this description to the absence of freedom to choose one’s actions and the lack of agency in the matter. Shahrur employs Q 28–29 to establish that human beings are «His slaves» on the Day of Judgment, because on that day they possess no authority whatsoever. Shahrur distinguishes between human beings being «God’s worshippers» in this world and being «His slaves» on the Day of Judgment, and says that what is required in worldly life is worshipful devotion to God, not servitude to Him.
Citation and location
Guide to the Contemporary Reading of the Wise Revelation — p. 58.
Limits of the reading
- The citation presents this distinction as Shahrur’s reading and does not establish an exegetical ruling beyond that reading.
- The argument must not be reduced to denying the description «God’s worshippers» in this world; the citation explicitly affirms this description.
- The citation alone does not explain all the theoretical or legislative implications that Shahrur may build upon this distinction.
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Brief reading
It is cited to argue that a human being is God’s slave in the Hereafter, on the Day of Judgment, not in this world.
Themes
- Faith-based
- Human and ethical
Related concepts
- slaves: 2
Its place in the network of concepts
It supports the distinction between servitude in this world and the status of the eschatological judgment.
Role of the verse in the argument
- Support: 1
Instances of use
- Guide to the Contemporary Reading of the Wise Revelation, p. 58: It is cited to argue that a human being is God’s slave in the Hereafter, on the Day of Judgment, not in this world.
- Concept: slaves
- Function of the verse here: Support
- Textual citation: «But we are His slaves on the Day of Judgment … for God Most High says: { … AND I AM NOT UNJUST TO THE SLAVES } (Q 28–29).»
Related books
This page is presented within the general methodology for building the atlas.