Islam, Faith, Creed, and Messengerhood
Statement Formulation
Islam is a universal human value; faith is a stage of belonging to the messengerhood; and the creed is the repeated, organizing practice of this belonging.
Why do these elements come together?
These atoms are tied to defining the central terms: Islam, faith, creed, rituals, and righteous action. Shahrur distinguishes here between the general value sphere and the practical legislative sphere specific to the followers of the Muhammadan messengerhood. He also links collective behavior to the community, and the creed as practice rather than mere belief. This explains why, in his work, the idea recurs that jurisprudence, Sunna, and rituals are all organizational levels rather than the essence of religion itself.
Components of the cluster
- Islam is based on shared human values
- Islam is inseparable from society, but authority is measured by morality
- Islam is faith in the one God together with righteous action
- Faith is more specific than Islam
- Faith is belonging to the Muhammadan messengerhood
- Fitra is for Islam and legal obligation is for faith
- Righteous action is the practical translation of Islam
- Rituals are specific to the followers of the Muhammadan creed
- The creed is repeated practice, not doctrine
- The community = collective behavior
- Islam is one religion and its value is universal
- Islam is one religion in the universe
- Difference is an intended Sunna
- Pluralism is consistent with the oneness of God
- Pluralism is the basis of the messengers and the culmination of monism
- The Qur’an affirms religious pluralism
- The Constitution of Medina recognized the different creeds
- The pledge of allegiance of women is evidence of political equality
- Consultation even with hypocrites and dissenters
Position of the cluster in the episodes
In episodes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12
Summary
This axis shows that Shahrur separates Islam as a value, faith as a messengerial commitment, and the creed as a collective practical experience.