Divine words are the laws of existence
Editorial verification status: This atom has been extracted from an explanatory audio-visual source, and has now been linked to the nearest 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 “God’s words” are not merely utterances, but also the laws of existence, and that there is no substituting them.
Explanation
He cites Qur’anic expressions such as “none can change His words” to make the divine words equivalent to fixed laws in the cosmos and history. From this, he understands existence itself to be governed by a divine order that cannot be arbitrarily altered. He also includes Christ within this horizon when he mentions a “word” in a specific context.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This idea links metaphysics with natural science in Shahrur’s thought, and supports his view that the Qur’an speaks of objective laws rather than obscure symbols.
Limits of the claim
This does not mean that every occurrence of the word “word” in the Qur’an must equal a “law” in every context without distinction.
Brief witness
“God’s words are existence and the laws of existence.”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - the Qur’an
- The Book and the Qur’an
- Shahrur - the decisive text