Monotheism Means the Unity of God and the Plurality of Society

Editorial validation status: This atom is extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and has now been linked to the closest books within the Shahrur project at the book level. For precise academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.

Formulation of the claim

Shahrur links monotheism to the idea that unity belongs to God alone, while society is plural in persons, opinions, languages, and religious communities. Absolute oneness is not for society or history, but for God only.

Explanation

Here Shahrur presents a conceptual definition of monotheism that differs from the common understanding that focuses only on abstract doctrines. For him, monotheism does not abolish plurality; rather, it organizes the relationship between the fixed and the variable: God is one, and everything else is multiple and changing. He therefore sees plurality among human beings, societies, revelations, and languages as part of the laws of creation. This definition paves the way for a political and social reading of religion, not merely a ritual one.

Its place in the episode’s argument

This atom establishes the episode’s central idea: that the Muhammadan message came to regulate plurality, not abolish it. From here, it moves on to discuss the state, society, and legislation as domains that deal with human plurality.

Scope of the claim

This does not mean that every form of plurality is morally or politically correct, but rather that plurality itself is a cosmic law.

Monotheism Means the Unity of God and the Plurality of Society