This axis gathers 2 instances of the use of this verse in the books of Muhammad Shahrur, linking it to the concepts and arguments that emerge around it.

The verse text as cited

Except those who repent before you gain power over them; so know that God is Forgiving, Merciful

Brief reading

The verse is used to distinguish the meaning of “before” as a chronological sequence between two events, not merely as a grammatical form.

Axes

  • Linguistic and semantic
  • Methodological
  • Chronological sequence: 2
  • Repentance before power: 2
  • Before: 1
  • Sequence: 1

Its place in the network of concepts

It contributes to fixing temporal meaning within Qur’anic reading.

The verse’s role in the argument

  • Example: 1
  • Distinction: 1

Instances of use

  • The Qur’anic Narrative vol. 1, p. 128: He uses it as an example of “before” when it links prior repentance and subsequent power, that is, an explicit sequence between two events.
    • Concept: Chronological sequence
    • Function of the verse here: Example
    • Textual evidence: “{Except those who repent before you gain power over them…} (al-Ma’idah: 34)”
  • The Qur’anic Narrative vol. 2, p. 128: He makes it an example of the existence of a prior ordering between repentance and power, as a prelude to saying that meaning does not depend on grammatical form alone.
    • Concept: Repentance before power
    • Function of the verse here: Distinction
    • Textual evidence: “{Except those who repent before you gain power over them, so know that God is Forgiving, Merciful} (al-Ma’idah: 34).”

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