Thesis Summary
Shahrur distinguishes between the Qur’anic narratives and the domain of legislation, and holds that the narratives recount historical events and perform an epistemic and educational function, not a binding juristic one. He also does not treat the circumstances of revelation as a comprehensive key to understanding the Qur’an as a whole.
Foundational Atoms
- Legislation differs from narrative
- The Qur’anic narrative is not legislation
- The circumstances of revelation do not explain the entire Qur’an
Place of Reliance Within the Book
This meaning appears at the beginning of the book, within the presentation of the method of reading narrative, and in the passages that discuss the limits of the circumstances of revelation and their relation to understanding the text.
Limits of the Reading
This summary does not deny that the narratives have an educational or moral dimension, but it prevents turning them into a direct source for rulings.