Those under wrath and those who go astray are not a single religious category

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 rejects restricting “those under wrath” and “those who go astray” to Jews and Christians, and says that they may apply to any group that departs from the straight path.

Explanation

He deconstructs the traditional interpretation that links the phrase to specific religious groups. For him, the criterion is conduct and deviation, not nominal affiliation. Therefore, one who deviates from the path may be among the followers of any religion, creed, or group. This aligns with his broader method of shifting concepts from closed identities to conduct and Qur’anic criteria.

Its place in the episode’s argument

This idea demonstrates the effect of Shahrur’s conceptual reading, where verses are not understood as fixed historical labels. It also opens the way to a broader ethical universalism.

Scope of the claim

He does not say that the heritage interpretation is wrong in every respect; rather, he objects to restricting the meaning.

Those under wrath and those who go astray are not a single religious category