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

The verse text as given

And do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner

Brief reading

The verse establishes a type of reconciliatory debate that is not hostile toward the People of the Book.

Axes

  • Methodological
  • Political and social
  • Debate: 2
  • People of the Book: 1
  • Reconciliation: 1

Its place in the network of concepts

It outlines a mode of address based on dialogue rather than antagonism.

The verse’s role in the argument

  • Establishment: 1

Places of use

  • The Book and the Qur’an, p. 279: He makes it the basis for a type of reconciliatory debate that is not hostile toward the People of the Book.
    • Concept: debate
    • Function of the verse here: establishment
    • Textual evidence: “The Qur’an has divided the debate of opposites … into two types … as stated in His saying, {And do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner…} (An-Najm 46).”

This page is presented within the general method of building the atlas.