Existence = God + Human Consciousness
Editorial verification status: this atom has been extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and it has now been linked to the closest books within the Shahrur project at the book level. For precise academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur asserts that existence in the Qur’an is understood on two levels: God on the one hand, and existence outside human consciousness on the other. That is, what is called “the truth” is what exists outside human consciousness.
Explanation
Shahrur connects the concept of existence with the concept of “the truth” as that which corresponds to reality outside human perception. In this way, he moves from the abstract philosophical question to a Qur’anic reading of existence. The basic idea here is that the Qur’an does not deal with existence as a mental illusion, but as an objective reality. Thus, “the truth” in the Qur’an becomes broader than mere verbal accuracy.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom opens his construction of a theory of knowledge: how do we know the world? And what counts as “real”? It is a prelude to the idea that the Qur’an addresses existence and knowledge together.
Limits of the claim
This does not mean that anything not perceived by the senses does not exist; rather, it means that existence is broader than individual consciousness.
Brief witness
“Existence in the Noble Qur’an is two: God and existence outside human consciousness… the truth is existence outside human consciousness.”
Related links
- Shahrur - The Qur’an
- Shahrur - The Decisive
- Shahrur - The Book and the Qur’an