This axis 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.
The Text of the Verse as Cited
And Thamud, who cut through the rock in the valley
Reader’s Answer
Question
Where does the verse occur, what distinction does Shahrur draw between it and the verse in al-A‘raf, and what function does it serve in his argument?
The verse occurs in Surat al-Fajr (9). Shahrur distinguishes it from al-A‘raf 74: for him, al-A‘raf is where the carving of houses out of mountains is mentioned, whereas al-Fajr is where cutting through rock is mentioned—that is, cutting, piercing, and splitting it. He employs this distinction in his discussion of the hewn remains of Thamud and the carving tools that he infers from the form of those houses.
Shahrur distinguishes between the mention of carving houses out of mountains in al-A‘raf 74 and the mention of cutting through rock in al-Fajr 9, explaining the latter as cutting, piercing, and splitting it. He uses al-Fajr 9 as evidence of Thamud’s work in rock, linking this to his observation of the form of the hewn houses and what he sees as indicating the use of carving tools.
Citation and Location
Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2 — p. 60.
Limits of the Reading
- The cited passage does not establish the geographical identification of the valley or determine its present-day location.
- The cited passage does not maintain that “cutting through rock” and “carving houses out of mountains” are synonymous; rather, Shahrur presents them as distinct mentions.
- The cited passage does not establish that the verse alone describes the building of houses; the mention of hewn houses occurs in his observation and in his comparison with the verse in al-A‘raf.
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Brief Reading
The verse serves as an example of Thamud’s skill in carving rocks and building hewn houses.
Axes
- Narrative and historical
- Human and ethical
Related Concepts
- Rock carving: 2
Its Place in the Network of Concepts
It supports a concrete historical image within the narrative of earlier nations.
The Verse’s Role in the Argument
- Example: 1
Instances of Use
- Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2, p. 60: It is cited to explain Thamud’s skill in carving rocks and constructing hewn houses.
- Concept: Rock carving
- Function of the verse here: Example
- Textual citation: “This is in His, exalted be He, saying: {And Thamud, who cut through the rock in the valley} (al-Fajr 9).”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general atlas-building methodology.