This thematic entry 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.

Text of the Verse as Cited

O Zachariah, We bring you good news of a boy whose name is John. We have not given this name to anyone before him.

Brief Reading

It is cited as evidence that ghulam (boy) is a description of the one whose birth is announced, not a name for a slave or servant.

Themes

  • Linguistic and semantic
  • Political and social
  • Ghulam (boy): 2

Its Place in the Network of Concepts

It is connected to a recalibration of the social meaning of the term ghulam.

The Verse’s Role in the Argument

  • Support: 1

Instances of Use

  • State and Society, p. 263: It is cited as evidence that ghulam is a description of the one whose birth is announced, not a name for a slave or servant.
    • Concept: Ghulam (boy)
    • Function of the verse here: Support
    • Textual citation: “{O Zachariah, We bring you good news of a boy whose name is John …} (Mary 7)”

This page is presented within the general atlas construction methodology.