This axis 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
Indeed, those who dispute concerning God’s signs without any authority having come to them—there is nothing in their hearts but a pride they will never attain
Reader’s Answer
Question
What place does Ghafir 56 occupy in Shahrur’s presentation, what distinction does he associate with it, and what function does it serve in his argument?
The verse appears in the context of Shahrur’s distinction between “disputation,” “dialogue,” and “discourse.” He includes Ghafir 56 as an example of disputation concerning God’s signs, after making the verse of al-Mujadilah an example through which he distinguishes disputation from dialogue. The passage does not explain in detail the meaning of pride here, nor does it state that the verse alone establishes a definition of disputation.
Shahrur cites Ghafir 56 among examples of “disputation” concerning God’s signs, in the context of his discussion of the use of the terms disputation, dialogue, and discourse. In the same passage, Shahrur develops a distinction between disputation and dialogue: for him, disputation is connected with an opposing stance, whereas in his example he describes dialogue as not constituting an opposing stance toward the party addressed.
Passage and Location
The Book and the Qur’an — p. 277.
Limits of the Reading
- The passage does not provide a complete general definition of disputation; rather, it presents the distinction through the example of the verse of al-Mujadilah, then cites Ghafir 56 and al-Shura 35.
- The passage does not state that “pride” is the definition of disputation, or that every disputation is obstinate.
- The passage does not establish a relation of synonymy or non-synonymy beyond the practical distinction it draws between disputation, dialogue, and discourse.
- The passage does not explain why al-Shura 35 is cited, nor does it interpret the content of Ghafir 56 in detail.
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Brief Reading
He associates it with obstinate disputation concerning God’s signs as a form of pride.
Axes
- Linguistic and semantic
- Human and ethical
Related Concepts
- Disputation: 2
- Pride: 1
- God’s signs: 1
Its Place in the Conceptual Network
It belongs to a network linking disputation to psychological arrogance.
The Verse’s Role in the Argument
- Support: 1
Instances of Use
- The Book and the Qur’an, p. 277: He presents it as a description of obstinate disputation concerning God’s signs as an expression of pride.
- Concept: disputation
- Function of the verse here: support
- Textual citation: “2- {Indeed, those who dispute concerning God’s signs without any authority having come to them—there is nothing in their hearts but a pride they will never attain…} (Ghafir 56).”
Related Books
This page is presented within the general atlas-building methodology.