Freedom is the fundamental phenomenon in society, and it may not be restricted except by an agreed-upon constitution. Shahrur sees it as the basis on which the civil state rests, and for him it is linked to knowledge, dialogue, and the human right to choose.
- Freedom and knowledge are twins
- Freedom is a fundamental social phenomenon
- The Prophet has no guardianship over people
- Consultation is based on plurality
- Plurality creates the civil state
- Plurality is a condition of development and freedom
- Freedom is the underlying principle, bounded by the constitution and regulated by law
- Freedom and moral awareness explain human action and the responsibility for injustice
- The civil state rests on plurality
- The civil state rests on freedom, plurality, and organized citizenship
- The civil state and civil society are the horizon of history because plurality and freedom defeat monism
- Slavery and right-hand possession are historical phenomena that can be dismantled
- The historical religious reading explains the emergence of society and directs it toward rights
- Volition is not will
- Freedom of opinion is part of the civil state
- The citizen state is the state that can endure
- Right-hand possession is a transitional stage toward freedom
Cross-book concept: See Freedom for the unifying theme across the books.