This locus 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
Their only words were: “Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excess in our affairs; make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Reader’s Answer
Question
How does Shahrur employ Āl ʿImrān 147 in his discussion of excess and forgiveness?
Shahrur employs the verse as evidence that the way to seek forgiveness is not closed to those who have fallen into excess. He cites the prayer of those who say, “Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excess in our affairs,” in the context of his discussion of opening the door of mercy and forgiveness to those who are excessive. In his view, the occurrence of excess does not negate the characterization of sin, but seeking forgiveness and supplication are the required response after falling into it.
Shahrur cites Āl ʿImrān 147 when stating that people were asked to seek forgiveness if they fell into excess. He places the verse within a broader context concerning not despairing of God’s mercy and opening the door of forgiveness to servants, including those who have fallen into excess.
Citation and Location
Drying Up the Sources of Terrorism — p. 154.
Limits of the Reading
- This citation alone does not establish a complete theory of Shahrur’s concerning the conditions or effects of repentance; what is certain is his linking of the verse to seeking forgiveness after falling into excess.
- The quoted passage breaks off at its end after the words: “forgiving of their sins if they…,” so no subsequent detail not visible in the citation should be attributed to it.
- In the citation, the verse is part of Shahrur’s argument for forgiveness and seeking forgiveness, not independent evidence that every meaning of excess in his project is derived from this verse alone.
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Brief Reading
Shahrur uses it as an example of the possibility of seeking forgiveness after excess, to affirm that the door of repentance is open.
Themes
- Faith-based
- Human and ethical
Related Concepts
- Seeking forgiveness: 2
- Forgiveness: 1
- Excess: 1
- Repentance: 1
Its Place in the Conceptual Network
It serves the meaning of returning to God within a non-exclusionary ethical horizon.
Role of the Verse in the Argument
- Support: 1
Instances of Use
- Drying Up the Sources of Terrorism, p. 154: He presents it as an example of seeking forgiveness upon falling into excess, affirming the possibility of repentance.
- Concept: seeking forgiveness
- Function of the verse here: support
- Textual citation: “And He asked them to seek His forgiveness if they fell into excess, as in His—exalted be He—saying:”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general methodology for building the atlas.