The Pronoun in “Ask Him, then, from an Expert” Refers to al-Rahman
Editorial verification status: This atom is extracted from an explanatory audio-visual source and 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 holds that the pronoun in “Ask Him, then, from an expert” refers to al-Rahman, meaning that the question is connected to the system of al-Rahman and His laws.
Explanation
He does not read the pronoun as referring to something vague or merely to “God” in a general sense, but rather to al-Rahman as the name of lordship. This is consistent with his interpretation of the verse as a call to inquire about the laws and patterns associated with the universe. Expertise here is not separate from al-Rahman, but connected to Him. He therefore links practical knowledge with the governing divine name.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom determines the verse’s referent within the argument: a return to al-Rahman, not to an unspecified general meaning.
Limits of the claim
It does not say that every pronoun in the Qur’an always refers to al-Rahman, but only that this is a specific reading of this verse.
Brief evidence
“The pronoun returns to al-Rahman.”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - the Qur’an
- Shahrur - the Decisive
- Atom: True expertise is practice, not hearing