Citation locator: Episode 02: Rhetoric, Abrogation, Nabaʾ, and Khabar in the Revelation, at 23:24–23:27. Audible excerpt: «ما ننسخ من ايه او ننسها المقصود بها الاحكام بين الرسالات الاحكام بين».
The Qur’an Is Read as a Message of Rulings
Source note: This page summarizes explanatory audiovisual material. Book references provide close context and are not verbatim evidence; for precise citation, consult the original episode and book.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur distinguishes between “the Book” and “the Message,” maintaining that the verse speaking of abrogation concerns the Message of rulings, rather than the Qur’anic text only in its common sense.
Explanation
He explains that “verse” in this context means a message or a legislative provision, not merely a verse in the muṣḥaf in its verbal sense. Thus, when he speaks of abrogation or substitution, he has in mind the development of legislation across the messages. In this way, he redefines the subject of abrogation within a broader framework that includes previous books and gradual revelation.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom paves the way for overturning the traditional understanding of abrogation, because it shifts the discussion from a Qur’anic verse to legislative provisions in the messages.
Scope of the claim
He does not say that every “verse” in the Qur’an is always a legislative message; rather, this is what is meant here in the verse on abrogation.
Brief excerpt
“The verse mentioned… means a message of rulings.”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - The Qur’an
- Shahrur - The Decisive
- The Book and the Qur’an