The Bā‘l Is Not the Husband in Qur’anic Usage
Editorial verification status: This atom has been extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and it has now been linked to the closest books within Shahrur’s project at the book level. For precise academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur says that bā‘l in the Qur’an is not merely a “husband,” but rather the man as provider and the one to whom the right of conjugal relations and maintenance belongs.
Explanation
He distinguishes between “zawj” and “bā‘l” at the level of Qur’anic signification. For him, bā‘l is associated with expenditure, livelihood, and shelter, not simply with the sexual relationship. He therefore reads some verses that mention “their ba‘ūlahun” on this basis, linking them to financial and social rulings.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom serves his interpretation of the verses on divorce, waiting periods, and return; because defining the meaning of “bā‘l” changes our understanding of who has the right to take back the wife and to whom the woman is financially and familially attached.
Limits of the claim
He does not say that every use of the word zawj carries the same meaning as bā‘l.
Brief witness
“The bā‘l is the one who eats together, drinks together, and shares housing…”
Related links
- Shahrur - The Qur’an
- Shahrur - Islam and Faith
- Atom: For men, a degree over them in pregnancy