Creeds, Not Religions
Editorial verification status: This atom is extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and it has now been linked to the closest books within the Shahrur project at the book level. For exact academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.
Formulation of the claim
The Qur’an, according to Shahrur, mentions “milal” more often than “religions” when speaking about historical religious communities.
Explanation
He cites verses such as “until you follow their creed” to argue that the Qur’an treats historical diversity as “milal” rather than as “religions.” The intended meaning is that religion is a single origin, whereas milal are human/historical forms of different affiliations. With this reading, he distinguishes between the divine origin and the social manifestations.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom explains how the Qur’an can address Jews, Christians, and polytheists without making them independent religions in origin.
Scope of the claim
It does not deny that each creed has real doctrinal and legal characteristics.
Brief witness
“The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you until you follow their creed”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - Islam
- Shahrur - jurisprudence
- Book: The Qur’an in Contemporary Thought