What Shahrur Says
Shahrur gives the following designation: “Pharaoh: oppressive political authority.” The meaning established in this passage thus links the term “Pharaoh” to oppressive political authority.
Atlas Explanation
This page treats the phrase as a direct conceptual definition within the book. The explanation is therefore limited to showing that “Pharaoh” here is not a term devoid of political significance, but is explicitly associated with oppressive political authority.
Limited Inference
This evidence permits this passage to be included in the book’s treatment of political authority, but it is not sufficient on its own to derive a detailed theory of oppression or governance.
Open Question and Limits of the Evidence
Does the book elsewhere explain the elements of this “oppressive political authority,” or clarify the scope of the description of Pharaoh? The available phrase does not settle this. Nor does this evidence alone establish that Pharaoh is not a historical person, or that he is a general model of rule through coercion and brutality.
Further Reading
- Muhammad Shahrur, Religion and Authority
- Critique of authoritarianism and monism
- Jurisprudence is historical and civil law is separate from it
Religion and Authority · Jurisprudence is historical and civil law is separate from it