Religion Is Singular, Not Plural
Editorial verification status: This atom was extracted from an explanatory audio-visual source and has now been linked to the books closest to it 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 affirms that the Qur’an speaks of “religion” in the singular, not of multiple “religions.”
Explanation
He emphasizes that the plural form “religions” does not appear in the Qur’an as a theoretical foundation, whereas “religion” does appear in the singular. From this he builds the idea that the divine origin is one, and that what appears as plurality is a plurality in laws, confessions, or practices, not in religion itself. This reading is part of his method of distinguishing between Qur’anic terms.
Its place in the episode’s argument
The atom supports his broader thesis about the unity of the religious origin, and weakens the popular conception that treats Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as religions equivalent in origin in the Qur’anic sense.
Scope of the claim
It does not deny the existence of multiple historical confessions, laws, or religious communities.
Brief evidence
“Did the plural form religions come? No … religion only in the singular”
Related links
- Shahrur - the Qur’an
- Shahrur - the decisive text
- Book: The Mother of the Book and Its Detailed Elaboration