This thematic entry brings together 1 instance of this verse’s use in the books of Muhammad Shahrur, linking it to the concepts and arguments that appear around it.
Text of the Verse as Cited
“And when I inspired the disciples: ‘Believe in Me and in My messenger,’ they said, ‘We believe; bear witness that we are submitters.’”
Reader’s Answer
Question
Does verse 111 of al-Ma’idah, as employed by Shahrur, indicate that revelation is not exclusive to prophets?
Yes. Shahrur employs the verse as a Qur’anic example of revelation being directed to the disciples, a group of Christ’s supporters, rather than to a prophet. In this way, it supports his claim that the term “revelation” in the Qur’an is broader than revelation directed solely to prophets. However, the evidence presented does not elaborate on the nature of this revelation or establish that it is equivalent in every respect to prophetic revelation.
Shahrur employs God’s statement, “And when I inspired the disciples,” as an example of revelation occurring to a group other than prophets, citing it after the example of revelation to Moses’ mother in his discussion of revelation.
Evidence and Location
Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2 — p. 179.
Limits of the Reading
- The evidence establishes that Shahrur cited the verse among examples of revelation to non-prophets, but the excerpt does not offer a comprehensive technical definition of revelation.
- The quoted text does not explain the difference between revelation to the disciples and revelation to messengers; therefore, no detailed equation between them should be attributed to Shahrur on the basis of this evidence alone.
- The reading here does not go beyond the verse’s location and Shahrur’s direct use of it; no additional relationship is constructed merely because other verses share the term “revelation.”
Continue from Here
Brief Reading
For Shahrur, the verse supports the idea that revelation may be directed to a group other than prophets, rather than to prophets alone.
Axes
- Faith-related
- Methodological
Related Concepts
- Revelation: 2
- Group: 1
- Inspiration: 1
Its Place in the Conceptual Network
It broadens the concept of revelation within the network of inspiration and divine reception.
The Verse’s Role in the Argument
- Support: 1
Instances of Use
- Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2, p. 179: He uses it to establish that revelation may be directed to a group that is not composed of prophets, thereby supporting his idea of the breadth of the concept of inspiration and revelation.
- Concept: Revelation
- Function of the verse here: Support
- Textual evidence: “And as we find it among Christ’s supporters in God’s statement, {‘And when I inspired the disciples: “Believe in Me and in My messenger…”}’”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general atlas-building methodology.