Citation locator: Episode 12: al-Rahman, al-Rahim, Surat al-Tawbah, and the Destruction of Towns, at 06:17–06:22. Audible excerpt: “He expended in itself, in itself; al-Rahman, in Himself, Honorer, Humiliator … good; al-Rahman, al-Rahman in Himself, Lowerer, Raiser.”
al-Rahman Combines the Honorer and the Humiliator
Source note: This page summarizes explanatory audiovisual material. References to books provide nearby context and are not literal evidence; for precise citation, consult the original episode and book.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur maintains that al-Rahman, in Himself, combines honoring and humiliating, just as He combines the Lowerer and the Raiser. That is, the name contains opposites within a single unity.
Explanation
Here he uses examples of opposing names of God. “The Honorer” does not mean “the Humiliator,” but al-Rahman encompasses both realms together in His power and governance. The purpose of this example is to establish that a single name may include opposing functions without this being a contradiction. In this way, he reinforces the idea that al-Rahman is not merely an emotional name, but a name of sovereignty and governance.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom is the practical application of the idea of opposites in the name al-Rahman, and it supports the transition to the meaning of punishment and mercy together.
Scope of the claim
It does not say that honoring and humiliating are identical, but rather that al-Rahman has power over both sides.
Brief excerpt
“Al-Rahman, in Himself, is Honorer and Humiliator … the Lowerer is not the Raiser, and the Raiser is not the Lowerer.”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - Governance
- Shahrur - The Qur’an
- Atom: al-Rahman is a name on the pattern fa‘lān that contains opposites