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
And that He destroyed the former ʿĀd
Reader’s Answer
Question
Where does the verse occur, what does the description “the former” mean for Shahrur, and what function does it serve in his argument?
The verse occurs in Surat al-Najm (50). Shahrur defines “the First ʿĀd” as the tribe of ʿĀd, the people of Hūd, and links it to the ʿĀd of Iram; he then infers from the description “the former” that there was more than one ʿĀd.
Shahrur identifies the verse as Surat al-Najm, verse 50, and regards the “First ʿĀd” mentioned in it as the tribe of ʿĀd, the people of Hūd. He links the “First ʿĀd” to the ʿĀd of Iram, drawing in his presentation on other verses about ʿĀd, Iram, and al-Aḥqāf. The verse’s function in his argument is to serve as a starting point for inferring that there was more than one ʿĀd; this is an inference he explicitly states after presenting the verse and the connections he draws.
Citation and Location
Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2 — p. 52.
Limits of the Reading
- The citation does not identify another specific ʿĀd, nor does it specify their number, locations, or identity.
- The description “the former” in the citation is the basis for Shahrur’s inference of multiple ʿĀds, but it does not provide independent proof for the details of that multiplicity.
- The citation does not establish a relation of synonymy or an independent terminological distinction between similar terms; the connection between the “First ʿĀd” and the “ʿĀd of Iram” is one that Shahrur makes at this point.
- The citation does not address the full exegetical context of Surat al-Najm or all the implications of the verse.
Continue from Here
Brief Reading
He uses it to establish the existence of the First ʿĀd and to ground the idea of multiple ʿĀds.
Axes
- Narrative and historical
Related Concepts
- The First ʿĀd: 2
- Multiple ʿĀds: 1
Its Place in the Conceptual Network
It contributes to constructing a historical reading of the multiplicity of peoples.
The Verse’s Role in the Argument
- Support: 1
Instances of Use
- Qur’anic Narratives, vol. 2, p. 52: He uses it to establish that there was a “First ʿĀd” and to ground the idea of multiple ʿĀds.
- Concept: The First ʿĀd
- Function of the verse here: Support
- Textual citation: “As evidenced by God’s saying, exalted be He: {And that He destroyed the former ʿĀd} (al-Najm 50).”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general atlas construction methodology.