Summary of the Thesis
Shahrur relies on the differentiation of family-related terms in the Qur’an to redefine fatherhood, motherhood, and adoption. Motherhood and fatherhood are not confined to birth or lineage, and adoption may be legitimate in specific cases.
Foundational Atoms
- The Qur’an distinguishes between family-related terms
- Motherhood goes beyond biological birth
- Fatherhood goes beyond genetic lineage
- Adoption is legitimate in specific cases
- Weaning determines the start of effective adoption
- Marriage differs from fertilization
Place of Reliance within the Book
This treatment appears in the middle section of Islam and Faith, in the linguistic discussion of family terms and the issues of marriage and adoption.
Limits of the Reading
This page builds a family-related conclusion from several linguistic and legislative cues. It does not go beyond what the text allows in terms of distinctions among terms and meanings.