The definitive is, for Shahrur, a set of fixed definitive matters that represent the foundation of the Muhammadic message. There is no room for ijtihad in its original basis, but rather in its elaboration and in clarifying its applications in the other verses.
- The verses of the Mother of the Book explain the prohibited things
- The Mother of the Book is the foundation of the Muhammadic message
- The Mother of the Book establishes a boundary-based, civil legislation that restricts prohibition and liberates ijtihad
- The Mother of the Book is the definitive verses
- The Mother of the Book and its elaboration present a project for rebuilding the understanding of the Qur’an, religion, and legislation on contemporary foundations
- Reclassifying the Book and the Mother of the Book organizes the structure and functions of the Qur’anic text
- Boundary-based legislation makes application variable within the constants of the Mother of the Book
- Legislation responds to changing reality
- Rituals fall within the realm of elaboration
- The Qurayshite tongue and the reclassification of the Book establish a precise semantic structure for the text
- The definitive matters do not admit ijtihad
- The elaboration of the definitive is the field of ijtihad
A cross-book concept: See the definitive for the unifying axis across the books.