Thesis Summary
Shahrur distinguishes between the messengerly Sunna, which is tied to the Message and legislation, and what falls under the status of prophethood or the historical context. On this basis, the messengerly Sunna is closer to being binding than others.
Foundational Atoms
- The messengerly Sunna and the prophetic Sunna
- The status of the Message and the rulings of obedience
- The Sunna is not a second revelation
- Obedience to law, not to coercion
Basis of Reference Within the Book
This page relies on the passages that distinguish between the Message and prophethood in the first section of the book, and on what appears in the final section regarding obedience and the status of the Message.
Limits of the Reading
This reading is limited to the distinction intended in the book, and does not place everything attributed to the Messenger on the same level. Here, too, binding force is linked to the status determined by the author.