This page explains a conceptual relation between two terms within Shahrur’s thought, and how this relation works in the construction of meaning.
Meaning of the relation
The intended meaning is that avoidance is not prohibition; rather, they denote two different meanings. Avoidance is associated with the language of distancing and leaving aside, whereas prohibition is associated with the language of legislative restriction. Therefore, the mere occurrence of avoidance is not enough to regard it as a ruling of prohibition.
The two sides of the relation
- First side: avoidance
- Relation: does not equal
- Second side: prohibition
Evidence
- Toward New Foundations for Islamic Jurisprudence through Avoidance Does Not Equal Prohibition
- The evidence: Avoidance does not equal prohibition Avoidance does not equal prohibition removes ambiguity between the language of distancing and the language of legislative restriction
Its effect in the knowledge map
This relation gains its importance because it prevents conflating the level of voluntary conduct with the level of legislative ruling. In this way, it regulates the reading of religious concepts within the knowledge network and helps distinguish expressions that denote distancing or avoidance from expressions that create obligation or prohibition.