Terrorism Is the Product of the Misrepresentation of Religion
Editorial verification status: this atom is extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and 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 states that terrorism is not the essence of religion, but rather the product of presenting religion in a false way within the discourse of political Islam and social upbringing.
Explanation
He distinguishes between religion as a system of values and its violent instrumentalization in reality. He considers that the problem begins in the family, then in education, then in religious discourse that magnifies fire, punishment, and prohibition. Through this sequence, a person is formed who is prepared for violence or for death as an outlet. Thus, terrorism for him is the result of accumulated intellectual and pedagogical factors, not an original ruling in Islam.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom is the applied conclusion of the episode: dismantling the roots of violence in the name of religion.
Scope of the claim
It does not deny the existence of real violence attributed to religious groups, but rather refers it to its causes, not to the origin of religion.
Brief witness
“We are presenting religion and teaching it wrongly.”
Related links
- Shahrur - Righteous Deeds
- Shahrur - Testimony
- Book: Drying Up the Sources of Terrorism